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PREFACE. 



The tastes of the preparer of this volume disposed him to 
undertake it; a residence in Coshocton of twenty years, and 
peculiar relations and associations of favorable sort, gave him, 
as friends claimed, at least a certain fitness to do it ; and the 
Centennial year seemed to be the proper occasion. Amid ill- 
health and other hindrances wholly unanticipated when the 
work was begun, the book has been written. If it does not 
meet all expectations, it is hoped it will not disappoint any 
reasonable ones. It could scarcely be expected that a work of 
the sort should be entirely free from errors, but great care has 
been taken to make it at least correct as far as it goes. Of 
course, in the line of personal history, regard must be had to 
the limits and scope of the work. It only purj)ort8 to be a 
panorama — not a series of finished portraits, with every shadow 
and light. Mere mention of every person and thing not amiss 
in such a volume would indefinitely extend it and add to 
cost. To those who have kindly assisted in its preparation, 
I shall ever feel grateful ; and I can confidently say that if there 
had been on the part of some others such help as those kind 
friends rendered, and as a little public spirit, local fame and de- 
nominational interest might well prompt, the book would be a 
better one. As it is, I respectfully submit it as at least an 
honest endeavor to put in convenient and permanent form 
something of the record of a locality of classic (American) 
interest, and to trace the steps whereby we have reached our 

present position as a county. 

WM. E. HUNT, 
(iii) 



CORKECn'IONS AND ADDITIONS. 



Page 7, read capital for capitol. 
" 17, county foi' country. 
" 26, Joseph W. for John G. 

- 80, Ilesket for Herkett. 
'* 85, Micajah for Michael. 

" 41, Weatherwax for Weatherwut. 
" 42, Ireland for Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. 
'' 59, through for though, and insert in third par- 
agraph after railroads, ''have been projected." 

- 79, strike out statement that C. 0. Leonard was 

in partnership with J. D. Nicholas. 

"'■ 81, read James tor Jones ^ 

" 99, Assignee's for Sheriff's. 

'^ 104, McNary for McNarry. 

" 105, read E. T. Dudley. 

" 108, Brelsford for Bretsford. 

'' 114, Joseph for Isaac. 

" 128, William K. for Wm. N. 

" 138, Thompson for Thomas. 

'' 240, found for founded. 

" 261, in notice of Charles S. Barnes, wheiu^e tor 
when. 

To list of earliest settlers in Perry township, add Jo- 
seph Mills, coming in 1828, and dying in his 87th 
year, in 1876; and the father of J. S. McVey. of W&U 
honding. Urns; resident in the township. 
- To the listOt Jefferson township, add Henry Met- 
ham, father (.f Col. Pren Metham, settling in 1814 

To the list of families on page 80, add the M illiaras 

family. , , , 

To list of I'hysicians on page 118, add J. K. Gamble, 
of New Castle, removing from county in 1876. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGES. 

Territorial Limits and Subdivisions of the County — Date of 
Organization of County — Names and Date of Organization of 
Townships, Villages, etc... 1-5 

CHAPTER II. 
Indian Occupancy, and Early Military Expeditions — The Pre- 
Historic Race — The French Rule — The Delawares — Their 
Towns in Coshocton County — Netawatwees, or King New- 
comer — Killbuck, White Eyes, etc., etc. — Boquet's Expedi- 
tion — The Coshocton Camjjaign — The Revolutionary War — 
The Character of Indians, and subsequent whereabouts 6-15 

CHAPTER III. 
Notes on Settlement of County and Growth in Population 16-22 

CHAPTER IV. 
Notices of the Earliest Settlers, and other Points of Interest 
pertaining to each Township 23-34 

CHAPTER V. 
Same Subject continued 35-48 

CHAPTER VI. 
Advancement of County in Wealth, Matters of Taxation, etc... 49-51 

CHAPTER VII. 
Something about Roads, Ferries, Bridges, Canals, Steamboats, 

and Rail Roads 52-59 

CHAPTER VIII. 
County Buildings and County Officers — Complete lists of latter. 60-68 

CHAPTER IX. 

Relations to State and National Government — Members of the 
Legislature, Congress, etc 69-71 

CHAPTER X. 
The Courts and the Bar 72-82 

(V) 



vi Contents. 

CHAPTER XI. 

PAGES. 

Notes on Agricultural Affairs — Extent of this interest — Corn, 
Wheat, etc. — Hogs, Fine Cattle, Blooded Horses, etc. — 
County Agricultural Society — County Fairs, etc 83-94 

CHAPTER XII. 
Notes on Manufacturing and Mining 95-107 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Notes on Merchandizing, Banking, Tavern-keeping — Trans- 
portation Business, etc 108-115 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Physicians — Health Items — Medical Remedies of the Pioneers. 116-122 

CHAPTER XV. 
Newspapers — Coshocton County Authoresses, etc 123-127 

CHAPTER XVI. 
School Matters 128-138 

CHAPTER XVII. 
Military Affairs 139-150 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

County Bible Society — S. S. Association — Temperance Move- 
ments — Secret Orders 151-158 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Miscellaneous Matters — 1. The Pre-IIistoric Race. 2. Ancient 
Burial Grounds. 3. Meaning of the names Muskingum, 
Tuscarawas, and Walhonding. 4. Prose Legend of the 
Walhonding. 5. Heckwelder's Famous Ride. 6. Temper- 
ance Crusade among the Indians. 7. The Gnadenhutten 
Massacre. 8. Curious Stories Touching Captives Reclaimed 
by Boquet. 9. Description of the Hunting-Shirt. 10. The 
Houses and Furniture of the Pioneers in Coshocton 
County. 11. Louis Philippe at Coshocton. 12. How to 
Raise a Large Family. 13. Indian Stories. 14. Backwoods 
Sports 159-177 

CHAPTER XX. 

Miscellaneous Matters — 1. The Killing of Cartmill, the Post 
Boy. 2. Shocking Murders in Coshocton County. 3. Col- 



Contents. vii 



ored People in Coshocton County. 4. Fires in Roscoe — An 
Incident and a Joke. 5. A Bundle of First Things. 
6. Relics and Curiosities in Personal Possession. 7. Coshoc- 
ton Wags in Early Days. 8. The Treasury Robbery. 
9. Humors of the Crusade 178-191 

CHAPTER XXI. 

The Churches — General Statements — Detailed Accounts of 

the Baptist,JChristian, Catholic, and Lutheran Churches 192-204 

CHAPTER XXII. 

The Churches — Detailed Accounts of the Methodist Episcoj^al, 
Methodist (Protestant), Presbyterian, United Presbyterian, 
Protestant Episcopal, Christian Union Churches, etc 205-2.31 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Brief Biographical Sketches — Charles Williams. Thomas L. 
Rue. James Renfrew. Abraham Sells. Dr. Samuel Lee.- 

. James Robinson. Thomas Darling. Benjamin Ricketts. 
John Carhart. James Le Retilley. Thomas Johnson. Jo- 
seph Burns. John Burns. John Johnson. Wm. K. John- 
son. Robert Hay. John Elliott. Taliaffero Vickers. Wm. 
Brown. Alexander Renfrew. Eli Nichols. Nathaniel 
Conklin. G. W. Silliman. Robert M. Lamb. David 
Spangler. Peter Humrickhouse. Arnold Medberry. Mat- 
thew Scott. John Lockard. Sharon Williams. Isaac Dar- 
ling. Matthew Trimble. William Pancake. Reuben 
Whittaker. James W. Pigman. Samuel Brillhart. Mat- 
thew Ferguson. John C. Tidball. Joseph B. Crowley. 
Clark Johns. C. C. Nichols. Wm. B. Glover. Joel Clark 
Glover. Thomas Carroll, Jr. Robert S. McCormick. Asa 
G. Dimmock. M. C. McFarland. Samuel Ketchum. Sam- 
uel Morrison. John Morgan. Charles S. Barnes. Wm. 
Henderson. Geo. Darling. Samuel Squire. Nicholas Bas- 
sett. W. H. Vickers. Thompson Carnahan 232-264 



\Many scores of skefehes, scarcely less hrief than many of these, will be found 
in other parts of this worJ:.^ 



HISTORICAL COLLECTION^ 



COSHOCTON COUNTY 



CHAPTER I. 

TERRITORIAT. LIMITS AXD STBDIVISIi VS OF THE COUNTRY. 

The territory embraced in what is now the State of Ohio 
(and even a large territory adjacent *) was at one time 
divided into only three counties — viz.: Washington, 
Hamilton, and Wayne. The boundaries of Washing- 
ton county, as constituted in 1788, were as follows : " Be- 
ginning on the bank of the Ohio river, where the western 
boundary line of Pennsylvania crosses it, and running with 
that line to Lake En 3 ; thence aloTig the southern shore of 
said lake to the mouth of the Cuyahoga river ; thence up 
said river to the portage between it and the Tuscarawas 
branch of the Muskingum river ; thence down that branch 
to the forks at the crossing above Fort Laurens (near the 
present town of Bolivar) ; thence with a line to be drawn 
westerly to the portage of that branch of the Big Miami 
on which the fort stood that was taken by the French in 
1752, until it meets the road from the Lower Shawneetown 
to Sandusky ; thence south to the Scioto river ; thence 
with that river to its mouth, and thence up the Ohio river 
to the place of beginning." 

Out of this territory nearl}^ thirty counties as they now 
exist have been erected. The northern central part of 
Washington county was, in 1804, erected into Muskingum 

* Including parts of what are now the States of Indiana and Illi- 
nois, and most of Michigan and Wisconsin. 



2 Historical Collections of Coshocton Cotmty. 

county, and in 1811, by the Legislature then in session at 
Zanesville, the northern part of Muskingum county was 
set off under the name of Coshocton * county ; Guernsey, 
Tuscarawa^, Knox, and Licking having all been previously 
organized. As originally constituted, Coshocton county 
embraced a considerable part of what is now Holmes, ex- 
tending to the Greenville treaty line, six miles north of 
Millersburg; but that county having been organized in 1824, 
the limits of Coshocton county were iixed as they now are. 
Prior to the adoption of the present State Constitution, 
in 1851, there was considerable agitation about a new 
county to be formed out of parts of Guernsey, Tuscarawas, 
and Coshocton, with New Comerstown as the county-seat. 
There was also a movement contemplating a county, with 
Walhonding as the county-seat. But that instrument ren- 
dered such movements hopeless. The territory embraced 
in Coshocton county is part of that designated as L'nited 
States Military Land District — so called from the fact that 
Congress, in 1798, appropriated it to satisfy certain claims of 
the officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary "War. These 
lands were surveyed into townships five miles square, and 
these again into quart^ townships, containing four thou- 
sand acres, and subsequently some of these into forty 
lots, of one hundred acres each, for the accommodation 
of soldiers or others holding warrants for that number of 
acres. What land was not required for the satisfaction of 
the military warrants was subsequently sold by act of Con- 
gress, under the designation of Congress land. Twenty- 
two and a fraction of these original townships were em- 
braced within the limits of Coshocton county as finally 
fixed in 1824. Owing to the inconvenience arising from 
the intermediate rivers, part of Tuscarawas township was 
attached to the one west of it.f As the population of the 

* The name is unquestionably a modification of the name of the old 
Indian town at the forks of the Muskingum — Goschachgunk — as some- 
what variously spelled according to sound by the old chroniclers in 
different languages. Ditierent and quite contradictory definitions of 
the name have been given. 

t After the Ohio canal was made, and before the bridges were built. 



Territorial Limits and Subdivisions. 3 

townships warranted, they were named (having been pre- 
viously designated as yet in all conveyances by numbers), 
and elections for justices of the peace and other ofiicers 
ordered by the county authorities. 

The townships first organized were Tuscarawas, Wash- 
ington, JN'ew Castle, and Franklin, in 1811. The territory 
adjacent embraced in originally surve3'ed townships was 
connected with these for purposes of government and tax- 
ation, and afterward set off and organized as population 
might require. Oxford was thus set off in the fall of 1811, 
and Linton in 1812. Perry township was organized in 
1817; the election for officers was appointed to be held in 
April, at the house of Elias James. Mill Creek was orga- 
nized in July of the same year, and the election held at the 
house of John P. Wilson. Pike was organized in August, 
1818, the election being at the house of James Bryan. The 
next township organized was White Eyes, in 1823 ; then fol- 
lowed Tiverton and Monroe and Keene the next year. Bed- 
ford was organized in 1825, and Bethlehem and Jefferson 
in 1826; Crawford, Virginia, and Jackson in 1828, and 
Clark in 1829. Adams township was organized in 1832, 
and Lafayette (the last) in 1835. 

There are in the county at this writing one incorporated 
village — Coshocton — and the following other villages, viz.: 
Roscoe, Warsaw, West Carlisle, West Bedford, Jacobsport, 
New Castle, Walhonding, East Union, Keene, New Bed- 
ford, Bakersville, Chili, Canal Lewisville, Spring Moun- 
tain, New Princeton, West Lafayette, Linton Mills, Mo- 
hawk Village, Plainfield, Evansburg, Orange, Bloomfield, 
Moscow, and Avondale. 

Coshocton was laid out in 1802, by Ebenezer Bucking- 
ham and John Matthews, who called it Tuscaraw^as. In 
1811 it became the county seat, and its name was changed 
to Coshocton. At that time a number of blocks of town lots 
at the southern end were vacated and laid out into what 
were designated as south out-lots, answering to those called 
east out-lots, being east of the present Fifth street. The 
to"wn plat embraced a territory about three-quarters of a 
mile square. The first addition to the town plat was 



4 Historical Collections of Coshocton Co7inty. 

Lamb's — a strip of several subdivided acres on the north- 
east, in 1837. For more than thirty years there was no fur- 
ther addition. Then, just east of Lamb's, Dr. S. 11. Lee's 
addition was made. In 1869, the corporation limits were 
extended so as to include these additions; also the ground 
of the Agricultural Society, still further east, subdivided 
at a later day, and that included in John Burt's sub- 
division and Rickett's subdivision, together with adjoin- 
ing tracts, making the village plat embrace territory a 
mile and a half square. The iirst subdivision was the 
" county commissioners'." The original proprietors of the 
tow^n donated the square south of the present public square 
to " the public ;'' but when the town was made a county 
seat, on petition of the proprietors, and subject to the 
approval of the lot-holders of the town, the Legislature 
authorized the county commissioners to subdivide that 
square and sell the lots, and use the proceeds for the erec- 
tion of public buildings.'^ The next subdivision was 
De La Mater's ; and the principal ones of later date are 
James M. Burt's, Williams', John Burt's, Spangler's, John- 
son's, Triplett's, Agricultural Society's, Steel Works, and 
Riekett's. 

In 1808, a town called New Castle was laid out by Robert 
Giffin, but does not seem to have come to much. In 1830, 
John Clark laid out one called West Liberty ; and the new 
town and the old name became one some time thereafter. 
In 1816, James Calder laid out Caldersburg. After the 
Ohio canal was built, Ransom and Swayne made an addi- 
tion on the north, and the town thus extended was called 
Moscoe, after a then famous English author, Wm. Roscoe. 

Thomas Johnson laid out the town of Plainjield in 1816. 

*The ownership of the public square has been much discussed. 
Originally it was given to " the public." It was never given to the 
town nor formally to the county, but impliedly in ISll to the latter. 
The commissioners have controlled it from that time on. They 
authorized certain citizens of the town to build a school house on the 
square; they also leased a piece of it to the Presbyterians, and pro- 
posed to lease another piece to the Methodists. 



Territorial Limits and Subdivisions. 



It has been of late supplanted by tlie adjoining village of 
Jacobsport, laid out by Jacob Waggoner in 1836i 

West Bedford was laid ont, in 1817, by Micajah Heaton. 
Keene was laid ont, in 1820, by James Beal ; Farwell's 
addition being made in 1839. 

Wm. Brown and Wm. Henderson laid out West Carlisle 
in 1821, and John Gonser, New Bedford, in 1825. Evans- 
burg was laid out, in 1830, by Isaac Evans ; Canal Lewis- 
ville, in 1832, by Solomon Vail and T. Butler Lewis ; War- 
saiv, in 1834, by Wm. Carhart — additions since by Eldridge 
and jN". Buckalew ; Chili, in 1834, by John and Samuel 
Fernsler; Walhonding, in 1841, by Wm. K. Johnson, G. W. 
Silliman, and T. S. Ilumrickhouse ; Bakersville, in 1848, by 
John Baker; West Lafayette, in 1850, by Robert Shaw and 
Wm. Wheeler — Rue's and Ketchum's and James M. Burt's 
additions made since; and 31ohawk Village, in 1859, by 
James and William Thompson. 

The old-time chronicles tell of Lima, ISTewport, Mays- 
ville, Birmingham, Zeno, Providence, ISTew Princeton, 
Cavallo, and Rochester; but these, and even others, never 
got beyond the infantile condition, and some of them are 
now entirely undiscernable by the eye. 



Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 



CHAPTER II. 

INDIAN OCCUPANCY, AND EARLY MILITARY EXPEDITIONS. 

When the English-speaking white man first came into 
the territory now embraced in Coshocton county, it was in 
the occupancy of the Delaware Indians. It is quite cer- 
tain that just before them the Shawnee Indians were in 
the land, retiring, as the Delawares came in, to the more 
westerly and southerly regions. The French were then 
claiming dominion of all the Mississippi Valley, and the 
head of the Muskingum, as an interesting and favored 
localit}', was not unknown to their soldiers, traders, and 
missionaries. Some have been pleased, without any very 
clear evidence, to believe that the famous French explorer 
La Salle, more than two hundred years ago, traversed these 
valleys. 

Indefinitely before that period was the pre-historic race, 
who have left their traces in numerous mounds and circles 
and grave-yards, proving their number and power, and per- 
plexing the men of subsequent times, concerning which 
things some statements and speculations will be found in 
another part of this volume. 

The Delawares, crowded out by the white settlers about 
the Delaware river and in Eastern Pennsylvania — their In- 
dian name means "People from the Sunrise" — found a 
homo to their taste in the beautiful and fertile Tuscarawas, 
Walhonding, and Muskingum valleys. 

Their language at least will abide in the land as long as 
the names just mentioned, and also those of White Eyes, 
Mohican, and Killbuck continue to be accepted as the de- 
signations of the rivers and creeks to which they are now 
attached. Within the limits of the county as now bounded, 
there were, a hundred years ago, at least live considerable 
Indian towns, the houses being built of bark and limbs and 
logs, and arranged in lines or on streets. One of these 



Early Military Expeditions. 



towns was called White Eyes (Kognethagachton) town, in 
the neighborhood of Lafayette. Two other towns were 
located — one three and the other ten miles up the Wal- 
honding — and were called the Monsey towns, the more dis- 
tant being occupied b}- a faction of the Delawares under 
control of Captain Pipe, who became disgusted with the 
generally peaceful and Christian policy of the nation, and 
seceded from it, desiring more indulgence for their base 
and bloody passions. The lower town was Wengimunds'.* 
The fourth town was Goschachgiink, occupying that part 
of the presenf town of Coshocton (a name said to be a 
modification of the name of the old Indian town) between 
Third street and the river. This was much the largest 
town, and for many years was the capitol of the Delaware 
nation, where the grand councils were held and whither the 
tribes assembled. It was the residence of Netawatwees, 
their great chief, and was often visited by the famous coun- 
cilors, White Ej^es and Killbuck (Gelelemend), as well as 
the big captains and braves of numerous tribes. The fifth 
town was situated about two miles below Coshocton on the 
east side of the Muskingum river (on the farms now in the 
possession of Samuel Moore and the Tingle heirs), and was 
called Lichtenau ("Pasture of Light"). It was occupied 
by Christian Indians under the direction of Rev. David 
Zeisberger (and afterward Pev. Wm. Edwards in conjunc- 
tion with him), the famous Moravian missionary. 

At the request of Netawatwees, Killbuck, and White 
Eyes, the town was established in close proximity to the 
capitol (which afterward was sometimes distinguished as 
"the heathen town "), in hope of its Christian influence 
thereupon. On the 12th of April, 1776, Zeisberger, with 
John Heckewelder as his assistant, at the head of eight 
families numbering thirty-five persons, encamped on the 
site of the future town, and began the next morning the 
work of felling the trees for the houses. The town grew 
rapidly ; the mission work prospered greatly ; a grandson 



* There was also a small Shawnee town in Washington township on 
the Wakatoniica. 



8 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

of old Netawatwees and many of the head men at the cap- 
itol were baptised into the Christian faith, and became resi- 
dents of the town. The place soon fitted the name, " a 
meadow beautiful by nature, and brightened bj' the light of 
grace." At one time the Christian Indians from all the 
Tuscarawas towns were gathered into Lichteuau to escape 
the evil influences and persecutions to which they were ex- 
posed through the machinations of evil-disposed \vhite 
men, and, even worse, apostate and bloody-minded Indians. 
They remained for over a year, then returning to the Tus- 
carawas valley. 

The Indian towns about the forks of the Muskingum 
were the objective points of two famous military expedi- 
tions. The first, both in order of time and importance, has 
been usually designated as " Boquet's Expedition." 

The Indians of the Northwest having started on the war- 
path, General Gage, whose headquarters were at Boston, in 
the spring of 1764, directed Colonel Boquet to organize a 
corps of fifteen hundred men, and to enter the countrj' of 
the Delawares and Shawmees at the same time that General 
Bradstreet was engaged in chastising the "Wyandots and 
Ottawas of Lake Erie, who were then infesting Detroit. 
As a part of Colonel Boquet's force was composed of 
militia from Pennsylvania and Virginia, it was slow^ to as- 
semble. On the 5th of August, the Pennsylvania quota 
rendezvoused at Carlisle, where three hundred of them de- 
serted. The Virginia quota arrived at Fort Pitt on the 17th 
of September, and uniting with the provincial militia — a 
part of the Forty-second and Sixtieth regiments — the army 
moved from Fort Pitt on the 3d of October. When Col- 
onel Boquet was at Fort Loudon in Pennsylvania, between 
Carlisle and Fort Pitt, urging forward the militia-levies, 
he received a dispatch from General Bradstreet notifying 
him of the peace eftected at Sandusky. But the Ohio In- 
dians, particularly the Shawnecs of the Scioto river, and 
some of the Delawares of the Muskingum river, still con- 
tinued their robberies and murders along the frontiers of 
Pennsylvania; and so Colonel Boquet determined to pro- 
ceed with his division, notwithstanding the peace of Gen- 



Early Military Expeditions. 



era! Bradstreet, which did not include the Shawnees and 
Delawares. From Fort Pitt, Boquet proceeded westward 
along the Ohio and Little Beaver and across the highlands 
to the waters of Yellow creek, then to Sandy creek, and 
along it to a point near the present village of Bolivar. 
There he erected a stockade and completed his arrange- 
ments. The Indians being convinced that they could 
not succeed in any attempt against him, made a treaty of 
peace, engaging to restore all their white prisoners. The 
expedition then passed down the Tuscarawas on the north 
side, and encamped on the high ground between the rivers 
near the Indian town at the forks of the Muskii^gum, and, 
erecting a stockade, there awaited the arrival of the pris- 
oners. On the 9th of November, two hundred and six 
captives had been delivered, and on the 18th, the army 
broke up its cantonment and marched for Fort Pitt, arriv- 
ing there on the 28th of the same month. 

The second expedition is commonly known as the "Cosh- 
octon Campaign." It was undertaken in the summer of 
1780, and grew out of the deepened feeling of antipathy 
to the Indians because of some recent depredations and 
outrages committed upon settlers in Pennsylvania, West- 
ern Virginia, and Eastern Ohio. It was also understood 
that the Delawares, contrary to pledges, were joining the 
British. 

The number of regulars and militia was about eight 
hundred, under the command of General Broadhead. It 
marched from Wheeling directly to the Tuscarawas valley. 
A part of the militia were anxious to go up the river and 
destroy the Moravian villages, which they regarded as at 
least shelters and half-way houses for Indian marauders, 
but they were restrained from executing their project by 
special exertions of General Broadhead and Colonel Shep- 
herd. They kept on toward Coshocton, and observing 
some Indian scouts (one of whom was shot) a few miles 
therefrom, they made a forced march and surprised both 
Gosch'achgunk and Lichtenau, capturing, without firing a 
gun, all the Indians then in them. Among those captured 
in Lichtenau were several Christian Indians from Gnaden- 



lo Histo7'ical Collections of Coshocton County. 

hutteu. These were released promptly by the conimaiuler 
of the expedition, and started in a canoe for their home, but 
some of the militia followed after and fired at them. For- 
saking their canoe, they took to the hills, and all except 
one, wiio was wounded, reached their home in safet}'. Six- 
teen of the other prisoners, having been pointed out by 
Pekilon, a friendly DelaAvare chief who was with the army 
of Broadhead, were doomed to death by a council of war, 
and having after dark been taken a little ways from the 
town, were speedily dispatched with spear and tomahawk 
and scalped. Having destroyed the towns, the army, at 
eleven o'clock the next day, set out on its return. The 
prisoners (twenty odd in number) were under guard of the 
militia, and, after marching about half a mile, these com- 
menced to use their knives and tomahawks, slaughtering 
all of them, except a few women and children, who were 
taken to Fort Pitt and subsequently exchanged for a like 
number of white ones. Tradition locates the site of this 
butcher}" near a spring about three-fourths of a mile east 
of Coshocton, on a tract of land now owned by Mrs. S. H. 
Collier.* Goschachgunk and Lichtenau were both subse- 
quently rebuilt, to some extent, and became for some years 
the home of more intense haters of the white race, by rea- 
son of the associations of the place. But the towns never 



* Among the militia of this expedition was the famous Indian killer, 
Lewis Wetzel, from Western Virginia. Just before t-he expedition set 
out on its return, an Indian chief appeared on the ojiposite bank of the 
river proposing " a talk." He was invited over by General Broadhead, 
and assured of safety. But while he was talking, Wetzel slipped up 
behind him, and, drawing a tomahawk which he had concealed in his 
hunting-shirt, sunk it in the chief s skull, instantly killing him. Legends 
of Wetzel's shrewdness and courage are abundant, and there is no 
doubt he was one of the most successful trappers and hunters and In- 
dian fighters of his time. He and his friends had suffered much at 
the hands of the Indians. He moved, in 1795, to the frontier, on the 
Mississippi, that he might trap the beaver and hunt the buflfalo and 
deer, and occasionally shoot an Indian. The exploit (not in some 
lights very creditable, but showing his intense antipathy to the red- 
skins) above mentioned was his only one jierformed in Coshocton 
county as reported by his admirers. 



Early Military Expeditions. ii 

again reached the proportions attained before the " Broad- 
head Campaign." 

Usually, and as to the great mass of them, the Delaware 
Indians entertained very friendly feelings for the whites. 
In their old home in Pennsylvania, from the day of Wm. 
Penn's treaty down, they had received a treatment calculated 
to produce such feelings, and the influenee of the Moravian 
missions among them was felt unto the same end. Far 
more Indian blood than white was shed about the forks of 
the Muskingum, and there is neither dark and bloody battle- 
field nor site of sickening family massacre within the limits 
of the county of Coshocton. The numerous bullets found 
in after times, in the plowed fields near Coshocton, were 
doubtless from the volleys fired by the expeditions, or from 
the rifles of the early settlers, with whom shooting at marks 
was a grand pastime. At one time seven hundred Indian 
warriors from the West encamped near the town, many 
with rifles. Accepting the idea of the poet, that " peace 
hath her victories as well as war," it may be claimed that 
one of the grandest of these was won at Goschachgunk, 
the Delaware capital. When the Revolutionary War 
broke out, it was a matter of the utmost importance to the 
colonists to secure at least the neutrality of the Indian 
tribes, and eftbrts w'ere accordingly made. Two treaties 
were made at Pittsburg in successive 'years — 1775 and 
1776 — binding to neutrality the Delawares, and some of the 
immediately adjacent nations. 

At the opening of 1777, the hatchet sent from Detroit 
(the British headquarters), was accepted by the Shawnees, 
Wyandots, and Mingoes. Rumor had it that it was also to 
be sent to the Delawares, and if they declined it they were 
to be treated as common enemies, and at once attacked by 
the British and their Indian allies. The famous chief 
Cornstalk himself came to Goschachgunk, reporting that 
despite his eftbrts the Shawnees were for war ; parties 
were already out, and ammunition was being forwarded for 
their use from Detroit. Even a portion of the Delawares 
had been already pledged to take up arras. At this crisis — 
so threatening to the colonists — a general council of the 



12 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Delawares met at the capitol, on tlie 9th of March, 1777. 
Some of the young warriors appeared with plumes and 
war paint. After earnest discussion and eloquent speeches, 
especially from White Eyes, it was resolved to decline the 
liatchet should it be offered. Three times during that sum- 
mer, it was tendered and as often declined. Despite the 
taunts of their own race — against even a faction of their 
own nation — rejecting bribes and spurning threats, the 
people stood, month after month, as a mighty wall of pro- 
tection to the western colonists. Looking to the plainly 
discernible natural consequences of a different decision in 
that grand council, it is not without reason that the claim 
may be n)ade, that one of the grandest victories for the 
colonists in the American Revolutionary war was won at 
the Delaware capitol, at the forks of the Muskingum. 
Subsequently, indeed, by the machinations of renegades 
like Simon Girty (who was several times at the capitol), 
and the taunts of tlie tribes, a part of the nation was led 
to join the British Indians ; but these w^ere too few, and it 
was too late to do the colonists much harm, especially with 
the wisest and bravest of the nation committed to peace 
and friendliness with the Americans. In 1778, the right- 
ful authorities of the nation made a complete treaty of alli- 
ance with the commissioners of the United States, therein 
providing for carrying out a cherished project of White 
Eyes, that the Delaware nation should be represented in 
the Colonial Congress, and become, as a Christian Indian 
state, one of the United States. By the neighboring tribes 
the Delawares were often tjyinted with being unduly gen- 
tle — " women " — and were always remarked upon as having 
too many captives ; making exertions to secure as such 
those commonly appointed by other Indians to the toma- 
hawk or stake. On one occasion, as already noticed, at 
their principal village, there were turned over to Boquet's 
forces two hundred and six captives, of whom thirty-two 
men and fifty-eight women and children were from Vir- 
ginia, and forty-nine men and sixty-eight wouicn and 



Early Military Expeditions. 13 

children from Pennsylvania. These were not indeed all 
captured by the Delawares ; but a large proportion was, and 
others of tliem would doubtless have been butchered but 
for the influence of the Delawares, who would sometimes 
arrange with the tribes further south and west for their 
captives. The legend of the "Walhonding (White Woman), 
telling how the captive virgin wildly fled from the camp 
and threw herself from an uprearing and overhanging 
rock,* into the seething waters of the storm-swollen river, 
choosing death rather than captivity, is significant of the 
horrors attending captivity, even among the Delawares. f 
It is, however, most likely that she was a captive of the 
Mousey or Wolf tribe of Delawares, who were, perhaps, 
the worst representatives of the nation. Experience and 
tastes no doubt differed among the captives. It is said 
that some of the captives delivered to Boquet were com- 
pelled to go with him, and some escaped after the expe- 
dition started toward Fort Pitt, and returned to the free 
forest life. Simon Girty and two brothers were cap- 
tured when young, and, having been adopted by the 
Indians, continued in their preference of Indian lifip. 
Despite all that has been said or may be claimed, it is no 
doubt true that even among the Delawares the savage 
nature was frequently displayed, especially when in the bad 
company of other tribes ; and they were not without much 
blame at the mouths of the whites, for cruelties upon the 
hapless settlers, whose settlements to the east and south 
of them they invaded, and who, individually or in small 
hunting or scouting parties, might fall into their hands. 

It can not be doubted that their treatment of Colonel 
Crawford out in the Wyandot country, when they bound 
him to a stake, fired numerous charges of powder into his 
flesh, cut and beat and burned, and by every possible tor- 
ture put him to a lingering death, was Indian, fiendish. 
Yet it is to be remembered that the Delaware Indians 

* Near the residence of Mrs. C. Denman, four miles northwest 
of Coshocton. 
fSee a very different legend in Chapter XIX. 



14 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

doing these tilings were confessedly the more bloody- 
minded part that had turned away from those at the forks 
of the Muskingum and set up their lodges in the Wyandot 
country ; that they were incited by the Shawnees and 
Wyandots, and regarded their work as a retaliation for the 
bloody massacre of the Christian Indians at Gnadenhiitten, 
and other outrages that their race had suflered at the hands 
of those w^ho were crowding them out of the land. 

The great chief xsetawatwees died about the opening of 
the Revolutionar}' war, and "White Eyes in 1778."^ 

Killbuck ("deer-killer'') was the successor of a chief 
having the same name, whose town was on Killbuck creek, 
between Millersburg and Wooster, and who died, a very 
old man, in the Wyandot country, and was often desig- 
nated Killbuck, Jr. When baptized by the Moravian mis- 
sionaries he took the name of William Henry. Less 
shrewd and eloquent, he was a worthy associate and suc- 
cessor of White Eyes. He was even more pronounced in 
his relisrious views and less wavering. Adherinj? to the 
fortunes of the Americans and Moravians, he at length (in 
1810) died at Goshen, near New Philadelphia. 

Killbuck, aided by the other Christian Indians, for a 
time still held the nation very much in hand ; but by 1780 
Captain Pipe got the ascendancy at Goschachgiink, and 
put the people on the side of the British, setting up a new 
town in the Seneca country. Killbuck and those who 
sided with him went over fully to the colonists, and left 
the forks, never to return. After the massacre at Giniden- 
hiitten, the few remaining Delawares gradually retired to 

* White Eyes (so called from the unusual proportion of white in his 
eyes) died near Fort Laurens, on the Tuscarawas, on the 10th of No- 
vember, 1778, of small-pox. General Mcintosh's colonial foracs were 
at that time encamped near by. His death was a marked event of 
the time. His broad views and truly eloquent expression of them can 
not be (luestioned. His fair dealing with the whites, and his earnest 
and steadfast etibrts for the civilization and christianization of his 
race ougiit not to be forgotten. A successor to the name — perhaps a 
degenerate son of this sire — was killed in what is now Columbiana 
county, in 1797, by a young man named Carpenter, whom he was, 
while under the influence of tire-water, assailing and threatening. 



Early Military Expeditions, etc. 15 



the West or were taken to Canada; and in 1795 their 
country, of which Coshocton county forms the central 
part, and in which was their capitol (removed from New" 
Comerstown), became by treaty the possession of the 
United States. Until after the war of 1812, a few strag- 
gling members of the nation, especially the Guadenhiitten 
ones, moved about in the country, hunting, disposing of 
pelts, or possibly visiting the graves of their ancestors. 
In 1819 there were eighty Delawares near Sandusky, Ohio, 
and two thousand three hundred in Northern Indiana. 
Fragments of the nation are yet recognized in Canada and 
in the Indian Territory, but its power was broken and the 
scepter had departed when it was turned away from its 
loved haunts in the Tuscarawas and Walholding valleys.* 

* The sources of information for the foregoing chapter are mainly 
Doddridge's Notes, Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio, deSchweinitz's 
Life and Times of Zeisberger, and Mitchener's Ohio Annals ; in which 
works those interested in Indian history and legends will find much 
to their taste. See also Chaj^ter XIX, this volume. 



i6 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 



CHAPTER III. 

NOTES ON THE SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY* AND GROWTH OF* POPl'LATION. 

The military expeditions mentioned in preceding chapter, 
besides accomplishing the immediate object for which they 
were undertaken, drew attention to the excellencies of the 
country. AYonderful stories about " the forks of the Mus- 
kingum " were told by the returning soldiers. The father 
of Geo. Beaver, of Keene township, was in Boquet's expe- 
dition. John Williams (brother of Charles) afterward set- 
tled in Mill Creek township, was in the Coshocton cam- 
paign ; and among the earlier settlers were several whose 
relatives had been in Broadhead's forces. The first white 
man known to have come into the territory now embraced 
in Coshocton county, with the purpose of abiding in it, 
was Charles Williams, In the si)ring of the year 1800, 
having come up the Muskingum in a canoe, he passed on 
up the Walhonding to what is now known as the Denman 
land, long called " the Paraire " (four miles above Cos- 
hocton), and there raised that season a patch of corn, be- 
sides fishing, hunting, and prospecting. The next year he 
fixed upon the site of Coshocton as his home, and was 
there joined by his brothers-in-law, the Carpenters, and 
William and Samuel Morrison, who, after staying with him 
for the season, went on up into what is now Holmes 
county, in the Killbuck valley. The same year, 1801, a 
settlement was made in Oxford township by Isaac Evans 
and others, who are reputed as having raised some corn 
and picked their land the preceding year. The Kobiiisou 
and Miller settlement in Franklin township was made 
about the same time. The Ilardestys are reputed as hav- 
ing been in Washington township the same year. A little 
later the Millers and Thomas Wiggins were located in 
Lafayette township. jN^icholas Miller, James Oglesby, Geo. 

* See notices of early settlers by townships in next chapter. 



Notes 071 the Settlement of the County, etc. 17 

McCullough, Andrew Craig, Isaac Hoaglancl, Benjamin 
Fry, and Barney Carr are repored as on the Lower Wal- 
honding in 1805. In 1806, Philip Waggoner, Geo. Loose, 
John Wolf, and Geo. Leighninger settled in Oxford town- 
ship, and the McLains were in Lafayette. In the same 
year the Darlings, the Butlers, John Bantham, and John 
Elder went to the Upper Walhonding valley. In 1807, 
Francis McGuire, who had been living above New Comers- 
town, moved down to the localit}^ known as the McGuire 
settlement, above Canal Lewisville. Then came Moore, 
Workman, ]^eff', Lybarger, Thompson, the Bakers, Cant- 
well, and Whitten to Coshocton ; and Meskimens, John- 
ston, and Harger to the Wills Creek region ; and Mitchell, 
Markley, and Williams to the north of Coshocton ; and 
Pigman, Chalfant, Norris, Slaughter, Woolford, Wright, 
Staftbrd, Meredith, John, and Severns into the western part 
of the country. No regular census of the country was 
taken until 1820. In 1810, Muskingum county, embracing 
the present Muskingum, Morgan, Coshocton, and part of 
Holmes, had only ten thousand population. A Scotch 
traveler, who spent the night at Coshocton in 1806, wrote 
of it as having a population of one hundred and forty ; 
but it was doubtless not understated to him. Dr. S. Lee, who 
came to the place in 1811, found it a hamlet with a score 
or so of rude structures. Fifteen hundred would probably 
be a large statement as to population at the time the 
country was organized in April, 1811. Immediately after the 
organization, the immigration was large. The war of 1812, 
while temporarily checking the growth of the country, and 
especially the inflow of population, was yet an advantage, 
particularly in making the region known to the people to 
the East and South. Just at the close of the war there 
were in the county one hundred and thirty-eight resident 
landholders, owning tracts of land varying in size from 
thirty-five acres to four thousand and five acres. The list 
of these, and the townships as now named in which they 
resided, is as follows : 

Tuscarawas — John D. Moore, Nicholas Miller, Henry 



1 8 Histo7'ical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Miller, John Noble, Isaac "\Vorkman, and Charles Will- 
iams. 

New Castle — David John, Thomas John, Obed Meredith, 
T, Hankins, John Wolf, Matthew Duncan, David and Mar- 
tin Cox, and Robert Giffin. 

Washington — Payne Clark, Mordecai Chalfant, Isaac Hol- 
loway, Peter Lash, Geo. Smith, and Frederick Woolford. 

Franklin — 0. Davidson, Valentine Johnston, Catharine 
Johnston, Michael Miller, Sr., Wm. Robinson, James Rob- 
inson, Benjamin Robinson, Jos. Scott, James Tanner, Wm. 
Taylor, Abraham Thompson, John Walmsly, and Jacob 
Jackson. 

Oxford — Jacob Reed, David Douglas, Henry Evans, Isaac 
Evans, John Junkins, George Looze, John Mills, Wm. 
Mulvain, Jas. Mulvain, John Mulvain, Andrew McFarlane, 
Ezekiel McFarlane, Samuel McFarlane, Benjamin Norman, 
George Onspaugh, Wm. Peirpout, Geo. Stringer, Philip 
Wolf, Philip Waggoner's heirs, and James Welch. 

Linton — Hugh Addy, Wm. Add}^, Wm. Evans, James 
McCune, John McCune, James Meskimens, Joseph Scott, 
Geo. McCune, and Amos Stackhouse. 

Pike — Daniel Ashcraft. 

Keene — George Armory, Elizabeth Armory, and John 
Colver. 

Tiverton — Isaac Draper. 

Jejferson — Joseph Butler, Thomas Butler, and Robert 
Darling. 

Virginia — Beal Adams, Patrick Miller, Joseph McCoy, 
Richard Tilton, and Joseph Wright. 

Adams — David Mast. 

Lafayette — Hugh Ballantine, Archibald Elson, William 
Johnston, George Miller, Sr., Francis McGuire, Thomas 
McLain, Elijah Nelson, Matthew Orr, Lewis Vail, and Jane 
Wiggins. 

Bedford — James Craig, Ezra Horton, and Thomas Hor- 
ton. 

Bethlehem — Henr}- Crissman, Benjamin Fry, John Shaf- 
fer, John Thompson, Geo. Skinner, and Wm. Trimble. 

A number of these landholders were heads of quite con- 



Notes on the Settlement of the County^ etc. 19 

siderable families, and upon some of the large tracts were 
several tenants. A list of those who were croppers and 
hired men, and of those occupying town-lots, and of those 
who were on their lands under contract for purchase, is not 
accessible. It is, however, known that besides those whose 
names appear in this list, and their children, the following 
persons were residents of the county at that time, several 
of them having been so for a number of years preceding : 
Richard Fowler, "Wm. Lockard, James Willis, Joseph Har- 
ris, C. P. Van Kirk, Peter Casey, Geo. Carpenter, Joseph 
ISTeff', Wm. and Sam'l Morrison, Jas. Jeffries, Dr. Sam'l Lee, 
Wright Warner, A. M. Church, Thos. L. Rue, Wm. Whit- 
ten, Thomas Means, Thomas Foster, Barney Carr, James 
Oglesby, Geo. Bible, John Bantham, Wm. Bird, Jas. Cal- 
der, Wm. Mitchell, Lewis Vail, Asher Hart, John Will- 
iams, Adam Johnston, John Dillon, Abel Cain, Joseph 
Vail, Rezin Baker, Israel Baker, John Baker, James 
Buckalew, Benjamin Burrell, Joseph Burrell, James Cant- 
well, Barney Cantwell, J. G. Pigman, J. W. Pigman, John 
Elder, Archibald EUson, Samuel Clark, Ezekiel Parker, 
Andrew Lybarger, John Hershman, Peter Moore, the Mc- 
Lains, Wm. Biggs, Geo. and Levi Magness, Richard Hawk, 
Isaac Shambaugh, and Elijah ISTewcum. 

At the October election, in 1814, there were one hundred 
and three electors in Tuscarawas township, which, how- 
ever, embraced at that time not only the township proper 
on both sides of the river, but also all the territory north 
of the Tuscarawas, and east of the Walhonding rivers. 

After the war the accession to the population was large, 
running through several years. In those years 1815-1820 
came the progenitors of the since well-known Burns, 
Crowley, Ricketts, Sells, Mossman, Heslip, Renfrew, 
Boyd, Gault, Thompson, Roderick, Squires, James, Tipton, 
Powelsou, Luke, Borden, Neldou, Ravenscraft, Norris, 
Winklepleck, McNabb, Slaughter, Mulford, Stafford, Cre- 
sap, and Lemert families. In 1818 there were 285 resident 
landholders. 

The personal and family records of the period running 
from 1814 to 1820 (especially the earlier part of it) are full 



20 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

of stories of laborious efforts and wear^'ing hardships ia 
clearing and planting and building. The large inflow of 
population involved a great deal of exposure. The conveni- 
ences of life, even with those best supplied, were scarce. 
Sickness, incident to all new countries, abounded, especially 
was a form of congestive chills known as " the cold plague" 
ver}' prevalent, carrying off many of the settlers and dis- 
couraging immigration. Milling facilities were still poor 
and remote. Corn meal and bacon afforded, in many cases, 
almost the whole support. Even whisky, the panacea of 
those days, was not yet plenty. Yet, despite all drawbacks, 
children were born and settlers came in, and in 1820 the 
census-taker found 7,086 inhabitants in Coshocton county. 

From 1820 to 1830 there was apparently an increase of 
only a few over four thousand, making the population in 
the latter year 11,162. It must, however, be borne in mind 
that in that period, by the formation of Holmes county, a 
number of people, hitherto counted as of Coshocton county, 
were set over, and the limits of the county decreased. 
Still the immigration was not heavy, especiallj' in the earlier 
part of the period. Reports of the sickliness of the river 
region and of the rough ways of the settlers had gone 
abroad. It may be stated in this connection that the ad- 
vancement of the county in both population and wealth 
has been regarded by many as having been hindered in all 
its earlier stages by the fact of there having been a large 
number (thirty-three) of four-thousand-acre tracts taken 
up by military land warrants, and held mainW by non-resi- 
dents, cultivated only by a few cabin tenants, if at all. 

From 1830 to 1840 the po[)ulation of the county was 
nearly doubled, there being in the latter year 21,590 inhab- 
itants. This large increase was largely owing to the open- 
ing of the Ohio canal. 

The immigration of that period was of a much more 
miscellaneous sort, and having almost nothing of the old 
Virginian and Marylander element, so prominent in the 
first settlement of the county. New York, Western Penn- 
sylvania, Eastern Ohio, Germany, and Ireland were most 
largely represented. 



Notes on the Settlement of the County^ etc. 21 

The population of the county in 1850 was 25,674; in 
1860, 25,032; and in 1870, 23,600. It will be seen by 
these figures that there was a decrease within the twenty 
years from 1850 to 1870. 

The same condition of things has been noted in many 
other counties in Ohio, especially such as have hitherto 
been most largely agricultural. It is observed in this con- 
nection that the cities and larger towns of the State show 
the chief gains attributed to it. Thus, while Coshocton 
county lost during that time above noted, the town of Co- 
shocton more than doubled its population, which in 1840 
was 845, and in 1870, 1,757— being in 1875 about 2,800. 
The disposition to forsake the farm for the shop and store 
and office, the " go-west " fever, the readiness of fore- 
handed farmers to purchase at good prices the small tracts 
adjoining their larger ones, the enlargement of the stock 
interest, the development of manufacturing interests, and 
even the casualties of war, have all had to do with this 
generally diminished population, especially in the rural 
districts, and the filling up of the cities and towns. 

Appended will be found the population, as enumerated 
by the Federal census-takers, of the several townships for 
1850, when the maximum population was attained, and 
also for 1870 : 

1850. 1870. 

Adams 1,419 1,113 

Bedford 1,221 918 

Bethlehem 822 850 

Clarke 833 867 

Crawford ; 1,552 1,245 

Franklin 966 972 

Jackson 2,037 1,767 

Jefferson 929 1,059 

Keene 1,078 787 

Lafayette 1,040 920 

Linton 1,592 1,600 

Mill Creek 872 586 

Monroe 760 832 

New Castle 1,229 1,005 

Oxford 1,112 1,140 

Perry 1,340 932 



22 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Pike 1,080 773 

Tiverton 842 804 

Tuscarawas 1,593 2,725 

Virginia 1,220 1.014 

Washington 998 768 

White Eves 1,132 923 



Notices of Earliest Settlers^ etc, 23 



CHAPTER IV. 

NOTICES OF SOME OF THE EARLIEST SETTLERS, AND OTHER MATTERS OP IN- 
TEREST PERTAINING TO EACH TOWNSHIP. 

TUSCARAWAS TOWNSHIP. 

The first " settlement " made in the county was in this 
township. Charles Williams,* a native of Maryland, re- 
siding for a time in Western Virginia, and yet later on the 
Lower Muskingum, came up the river in a canoe, and lo- 
cated on the site of Coshocton, early in the year 1801 ; hav- 
ing spent part of the preceding year in what is now Beth- 
lehem township, but without definite purpose as to place of 
settlement. George Carpenter, a brother-in-law of Will- 
iams, and William and Samuel Morrison, came soon after- 
ward, but, after stopping to help Williams raise a crop of 
corn, passed on up the Killbuck, becoming the earliest set- 
tlers in what is now Holmes county. Another brother-in- 
law of Williams, John Hibits, came a little later, and sub- 
sequently located in the Upper Walhonding valley. Sev- 
eral of the early residents were " croppers," and after a 
time picked up a piece of land and settled in some other 
township. 

Nicholas Miller, from Virginia, came in about 1803 — 
spent his long life in farming, dying at a good old age. 
John D. Moore (father of Commissioner Moore), also from 
Virginia, came a little later — was an easy-going, quiet 
farmer, dying many years since in the township. Peter 
Moore was a regular trapper and fisher. John Noble had 
a little farm near the ford, three miles below Coshocton ; 
for a time kept a ferry there in later years. J. Fulton 
was from Maryland — lived on the place best known as the 
Ricketts farm, about a mile southeast of Coshocton. He 
had a mill (run by the water of a big spring), making more 
corn-meal and whisky than anything else, said to have 

* See " Biographical Sketches." 



24 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

been the first mill set up in Coshocton county. Among others 
recognized as very early settlers were J. Workman, from 
Virginia (the father of General Jesse Workman), a farmer ; 
Joseph ISTeff, from same State, a tailor ; Asa Hart, from iN'ew 
Jersey, a blacksmith ; Andrew Lybarger (grandfather of 
Eepresentative E. L. Lybarger), from Pennsylvania, a 
tanner; Wm. Whitten, a general business man, the first 
justice of the peace ; Dr. Samuel Lee ;* Thomas L. Rue ;* 
Adam Johnson (a son-in-law of Charles Williams and the 
father of Matthew, Charles, and Wm. A. Johnson), the first 
county clerk and auditor; Wilson McGowan, from Mount 
Holl}', New Jerse}', a gentleman of the continental style, 
wearing a " queue," and fiourishing a gold-headed cane ; 
Alex. McGowan, a younger brother of the above, who set 
up as a physician of the Tompsonian school, but was chiefly 
occupied in public oflice, having been many years auditor, 
etc. ; Cornelius Van Kirk (a very stalwart man), the first 
tax-collector and sherifi"; James Cantwell, a farmer ; Geo. 
McCullough, an Indian scout and hunter ; James Winders 
and Geo. Arnold, corn-raisers, and, as reputed, general 
" whisky punishers." 

These were all settled in the township before the county 
was organized, in 1811 — many of them years before. 

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 

The list of earliest settlers in Franklin township includes 
the names of James Robinson, Benjamin Robinson, John 
Robinson, Wm. J. Robinson, Michael Miller, Jacob Jack- 
sou, James Tanner, John Walmsley, William Taylor, Abra- 
ham Thompson, Joseph Scott, John G. Pigman, Obadiah 
Davidson, Valentine and Jane Johnson, Geo. Littick, Isaac 
Shanbaugh, Philip Ilershmau, and Lewis Roderick. One- 
half of the township was originally owned by Michael Mil- 
ler, Sr., and the Robinsons, each having a four-thousand-acre 
tract. James Robinson, William Davidson, and John G. Pig- 
man were men of more than the average (for their day) ed- 
ucation and force of character. None of those taking part 

* See " Biographical Sketches." 



Notices of Earliest Settlers^ etc. 25 

ill the organization of the township are now living, but the 
descendants of many of them are still well known in the 
township. The earlier settlers were nearly all from Vir- 
ginia. 

The German element, for some years quite prominent in this 
township, first became noticeable about 1835. About 1840, 
there was a considerable immigration of French. Of later 
years, the Germans have been outnumbered by the French, 
the former having moved largely to the west. James Rob- 
inson, of this township, was a member of the Legislature, 
and also an associate judge of the county. G. A. Mc- 
Cleary has also been in the Legislature. Henry Schmeser 
has served as county commissioner. Isaac Shambaugh was 
the discoverer of the Wills creek oil springs. Louis Rod- 
erick was a preacher connected with the German Baptists 
(Dunkards). He held services mainly at the house of 
Philip Hershman for more than thirty years, and was well- 
known throughout the county. He died a few years since 
in Lafayette township at the advanced age of ninety-five 
years. Mrs. George A. McCleary is reputed as the first 
child born in the township. She was a daughter of James 
Tanner. Isaac Shambaugh is doubtless the oldest person 
now living in the township. He came from Virginia in 
1816, and is nearly ninety. He was a soldier in the war of 
1812, as was also Robert Hawk, of this township. 

NEW CASTLE TOWNSHIP. 

Robert Gifiin was among the earliest settlers in iTew 
Castle township. He was, for a number of years, the 
largest landholder in it; but, after a time, sold out his 
interest there and became more largely identified with 
Knox county. Edith Hull, a very early tax-payer in the 
township, was Giffin's sister. They are reported as being 
from the State of Delaware. 

Thomas Butler and Joseph Severns are reputed as 
having come into the township about 1806. They were 
both from Virginia — the south branch of the Potomac. 
They were connected with Robert Darling, and he and 
they removed to Ohio about the same time. Mr. Severns 



26 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

died in 1857, being about eighty years of age. A son. of 
same name, died near !N'ew Castle, in 1850. A grandson is 
now living near Coshocton. Samuel Severns, the oldest 
son of Joseph, yet living on the old farm on Severn's Ridge, 
in Xew Castle township, is, at this time, about eighty-four 
years old. Another son, William, has reached the good old 
age of seventy-five years. A son of Mr. Butler, James, is 
now living just over the line in Jefferson township, at the 
advanced age of eighty-three years ; and another son, 
Felix, about sixty-seven years old, resides on the old home 
place. Few, if any, people have given character to the 
upper Walhonding valley beyond the Butlers. Both Jo- 
seph Severns and Thomas Butler w-ere out in the war of 
1812. 

Martin and David Cox were early settlers, keeping the 
post-office, for the township, for many years, at Cox's Cross 
roads. John Eli owned the farm on which New Castle now 
stands, though the town w'as laid out by John Clark under 
the name of West Liberty. The Meredith familj' was one 
of the earliest and best known in this township. They were 
from Virginia. Squire Humphrey lived, at an early day, 
on the tract now owned by Loyd Nichols. M. Duncan 
made his mark, in early times, by building a large stone 
house, as also did the two Johns — David and Thomas — 
who w^ere among the earliest, coming from New Jersey. 
John G. Pigman was a prominent settler in New Castle; 
but is reported more fully in Perr}', within whose geo- 
graphical limits, as ultimately fixed, he lived. John Wolf 
was another early settler. 

The mother of Thomas Dwyer, of Coshocton, came into 
New Castle with her son-in-law (she then being a widow), 
Benjamin Farquhar, in 1808. They were from Maryland. 
Of Eli Nichols, long a prominent citizen of this township, 
mention is elsewhere made. 

This township is the home of one of the professors of 
the occult sciences, Wm. Gorham, who claims to be able to 
discover hidden things, whether of the past or the future, 
and has sometimes created a sensation in the classic Owl 
Creek valley. 



Notices of Earliest Settlers ^ etc. 27 

One of the noticeable people of New Castle township, 
some years ago, was one Walter Turner, an Englishman, 
who figured at a saw-mill in an effort to make the same 
water do duty several times — pumping it up again into the 
race after it had run over the wheel. 

New Castle was one of the four townships organized 
before the county was organized (Tuscarawas, Washing- 
ton, and Franklin being the others) ; and it is understood 
to have been named after New Castle in Delaware. 

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 

The first settlers of this township were John Hardesty, 
Jacob Cray, Mordecai Chalfant, Peter Lash, Francis Staf- 
ford, Frederick Woolford, James Williams, Bradley 
Squires, and George Smith. These were all in before 
1811. John Hardesty was from Maryland, and came into 
the territory afterward embraced in Washington township 
before the State of Ohio was admitted. He was a regular 
frontiersman, and kept moving with the tide of emigration 
westward while his years admitted. He died some years 
ago in St. Louis. Edmund Hardesty, also from Maryland, 
came into the township in 1811 ; died a few years ago in 
Illinois. Mordecai Chalfant came from Pennsylvania in 
1808; was for some time an associate judge of the county. 
George Smith was from Virginia. Bradley Squires was 
from Vermont. Jacob Cray came from Wheeling, Va., in 
1808; was a farmer; died about 1864. Thomas Hardesty, 
coming from Maryland about 1811, still lives in the town- 
ship. Walter McBride, farmer and carpenter, came from 
Pennsylvania in 1814 ; he is now more than seventy years 
of age. 

The township was named at its organization by Mordecai 
Chalfant. Through his influence, a small mill was built 
in 1810. In 1811 a school-house was erected, and also a 
church (M. E.), which still goes by the name of Chalfant's 
meeting-house. 

OXFORD TOWNSHIP. 

It is believed by some that the first settlement made in 
the county was made in this township. It would seem 



28 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

that, at all events, the same season that Charles Williams 
was raising his corn on '• tlie prairie," Isaac and Henry 
Evans and Charles and Esaias Baker, all from Virginia, 
were raising a crop on the Tuscarawas, near Evansburg. 
"Williams had come up the Muskingum, and the four above 
named had come down the Tuscarawas. The Bakers af- 
terward went over into Linton township, and were among 
the ver}' earliest settlers there. Isaac Evans brought his 
family in 1801, and remained in the township until his 
death. He was a captain in the war of 1812 ; was also 
one of the associate judges of the county. He built a mill, 
and was extensively engaged in farming. In 1806 Philip 
Waggoner, from near Carlisle, Pa., came in, and soon 
thereafter a brother-in-law, George Loose, and another 
named Philip Wolf, and still another, George Leigninger, 
all from Cumberland county. Pa. John Junkin, John 
Mills, and William and Joseph and John Mulvain, and An- 
drew and Ezekiel and Samuel McFarlin were all quite 
early settlers. Moses Morgan was an early settler, and 
well known as the keeper of the tavern at the forks of the 
road to Cadiz and New Philadelphia. 

LINTON TOWNSHIP. 

Among the earliest and best-known settlers in Linton 
township may be mentioned the following : The Addys, 
the Bakers, the McCunes, the Meskimens, the Hoslips, 
Thomas Johnson, George Magness, the McLains, R. Fowler, 
and George Smith. 

The Addys were from Delaware. One of the ftimily 
(the mother of Rev. John Baker) is perhaps the oldest 
person now resident in the township, being in her eighty- 
eighth year. They came to Ohio in 1806. The Bakers 
were from Pennsylvania. Rezin (father of Rev. John and 
Lane) came into the county as early as 1802, and remained 
until his death, in 1842, in his sixty-second year. The 
family removed from Pennsylvania to Harrison county, 
and Rezin, just as he had fairly attained his majority, 
passed on out west, and hired out with John Fulton, living 
near Coshocton until he had earned enough to buy a farm 



Notices of Earliest Settlers^ etc. 29 

in what is now known as the north bend of Will's creek, 
of which tract he took possession in 1808. His wife was 
in Harrison county, and she and two children were removed 
by death, he afterward marrying Miss Add}-, Three other 
families bearing the name of Baker (Charles and Esaias 
and Basil), relatives of the above, came in at a very early 
day, and were recognized as of the "bone and sinew" of 
the township. The McCiines were also from Pennsylvania, 
and came in about 1806. The Meskimens were from Vir- 
ginia (Potomac valley), and were originally quite large 
landholders. James Meskimens was a man of more than 
ordinary force, and was of the iirst board of county com- 
missioners. Joseph Heslip, now living at an advanced 
age, in his youth had a passion for a life on the ocean wave. 
His father thought " the wilderness " would afford as much 
variety and spice, and prevailed upon him, after he had 
made a voyage or two, to settle upon a large tract, on part 
of which has since been built " the Linton mills " and the 
little circumjacent village. The elder Mr. Heslip was a 
minister, and was much observed in the neighborhood be- 
cause of his regard for the Sabbath, in a day when the 
chief use made of it was to hunt and lish. 

As early as 1808 Andrew Tairare built a little mill on 
Wills creek, about tifty rods above where the mill now 
stands, but a freshet soon swept it away. A few years 
later Mr. Loose built a mill near the mouth of Bacon run, 
making, with the volunteered help of the neighbors, a race 
some eighty rods long. But that was the day of hard toil. 
A walk of ten or twenty miles for a quarter of tea by a 
boy was nothing unusual, and a journey to Cambridge or 
Zanesville for a little flour was a common thing. Of 
Thomas Johnson an extended account is given in the 
" Biographical Sketches." 

George Magness was from Maryland ; was in the war of 
1812. Of the McLains, mention is made in Lafayette. 
Fowler and Smith were from Virginia ; both in war of 
1812. These all died at an advanced age in the township, 
and are still represented therein by descendants. 



3© Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Among the more prominent families of later date have 
been the Shafer, Sibley, Bassett, Love, Glenn, and Her- 
kett. 

PERRY TOWNSHIP. 

Among the earliest settlers in Perry township who have 
attracted most attention were the following : Samuel Far- 
quhar ; came from Maryland with six sons and five daugh- 
ters ; lived to be over ninety 3'ears of age, and none 
of his children have died under eighty. They were 
Quakers in their religious views, farmers as to employ- 
ment. John Pritchard, a Baptist preacher ; "VVm. Coulter, 
from Bedford, Pennsylvania, who did most of the survey- 
ing in the western part of the county, and, it is said, with 
" a grape-vine chain ;" Joshua Cochran, originally from 
Dublin, Ireland, directly from Maryland, who had six sons 
and five daughters ; also his sons-in-law, John and Solo- 
mon Smith, all coming in about 1814 ; Joseph "W. Pigman, 
a famous Methodist Episcopal preacher, who was associate 
judge, and was also in the Legislature. He came from Cum- 
berland, Maryland. 

The first residents of the township to pay taxes on real 
estate were Andrew Billman, holding southwest quarter of 
section twenty, and Ann James, holding the northeast quar- 
ter of same section, and the southeast quarter of section 
twelve. That was in 1817. Several of those who at that 
time were non-resident tax-payers, as, for instance, John 
Berry, Samuel Farquhar, John Pritchard, and Peter Dillon, 
soon took possession of their lands. 

William Dillon, father of Israel Dillon, the present clerk 
of the court, came from Greene county, Pennsylvania, to 
the township about 1815 ; entered and cleared a quarter 
section of laud, continuing to occupy it until his death, in 
1862, he being then sixty-eight years of age. He was a 
zealous Baptist. 

Dr. E. G. Lee, the first physician in the towhship, came 
from Mount Vernon, and laid out a town called New Guil- 
ford. Calvin Hill, also from Mount Vernon, built a store- 
room on one of the lots, and kept the first store. The next 
year David McHenry opened a hatter's shop. 



Notices of Earliest Settlers^ etc. 31 

Soon after New Guilford was laid out, John Conway, who 
owned the quarter section of land next east of that on 
which Guilford was located, started a town on his land, 
calling 4t Claysville. The rivalry between the towns was 
disastrous to both. After some years, they were consoli- 
dated under the name of East Union by act of the Legis- 
lature. The plat of ISTew Guilford is now all used for farm- 
ing purposes, having been practically vacated. 

MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

Richard Babcock purchased a quarter section of land in 
this township, and settled on it in 1812 with his family. 
They came originally from Vermont, but had stopped for a 
time in Harrison county. Mr. Babcock was killed by a 
run-away team about 1823. His widow died a few years 
later. His youngest son resided upon the home farm until 
his death, in 1874. His grandson, Daniel, now lives upon 
the place. 

Solomon Vail purchased and settled on a tract im- 
mediately south of Babcock, in 1815. He removed to Il- 
linois, and there died. His widow still lives — probably the 
only one of the parents among the first settlers. Vail had 
a hand-mill, on w^hich a few of the settlers did their own 
grinding. He afterward, assisted by his brother-in-law, 
built the first mill on the creek. It was a primitive aflair, 
truly, grinding only Indian-corn, which was about all there 
was to grind for several years. The stones for the mill were 
hauled from Mansfield by Thomas Elliott, who was to re- 
ceive for his labor a pair of shoes, which Vail, who was a 
sort of "jack of all trades," was to make for him. 

In March, 1816, Moses Thompson, from Jefi"ersou county, 
but originally from Ireland, took possession of his Mill 
creek " cabin," which he had built after the most approved 
" back-w^oods " style of the day. He died in 1862 on the 
same place. He was the first clerk of the township. His 
son S. T. Thompson resides near Keene. In 1817, there 
was quite a number of settlers came in. Henry Grimm 
(afterward associate judge), Thomas Moore, Joseph Beach, 
and John P. Wilson — these, as the former, came from 



32 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Eastern Ohio. "With the exception of Babeocks and Mrs. 
Bible (whose father's name was Tipton), now eighty-five 
years old, none of the descendants of settlers prior to 1820 
are now in the township. The Sheplons and the Mitchells 
came in somewhat later. The township is largely peopled 
by those coming from Jefferson and Harrison counties. 

The township was originally very heavily timbered, and 
most of the early settlers were poor and had very hard 
work to get their lands. Wolves and other wild animals 
were numerous, and sheep could be raised onl}^ b}^ the 
closest attention. Many of the people wore deer-skins, 
others linsey. Still, there, as elsewhere, those who made 
due exertion soon had enough to eat and wear. As to 
drink, as soon as grain was raised, whisky was at hand 
and freely dispensed. The first " gathering " of men with- 
out whisky was at the raising of John Shannon's barn, say 
about 1835. 

The first school in the township was taught by David 
Grimm, son of IIenr3^ The pupils came from remote 
points, and had nothing scarcely but bridle paths to come 
by. The iirst church built was the Protestant Episcopalian 
at the Knob. Among the earlier settlers of this township 
was John AVilliams. He was a brother of Colonel Charles 
AVilliams, and the father of Wm. G. "Williams, a former county 
treasurer, and of Joseph AV^illiams, now of Coshocton. 
He was in the Revolutionary War. At its close he settled 
near Wheeling ; was in the Moravian campaign (the cruel- 
ties of which he always condemned) ; also was in the Cos- 
hocton campaign. He moved to Coshocton about 1812; 
came into Mill Creek about 1817, and there died in 1833, 
when about eighty years of age. 

PIKE TOWNSHIP. 

Daniel Ashcraft, from Pennsylvania, came to what is 
now Pike township, and entered the iirst quarter of land 
taken up in that township. His son, Jonathan Ashcraft, 
now eighty-four years of age, was the first man to plow a 
furrow in that township. He also had a saw-mill. Alex- 
ander Graham, also from Pennsylvania, came into Pike 



Notices of Earliest Settlers^ etc, 33 

township in 1819. He died in July, 1844. One of his 
sons, William, still resides in the township, and is seventy- 
two years of age. Daniel Forker came into the township 
in 1824, from New Jersey. He worked at shoemakiug for 
a number of years in the town of West Carlisle, and then 
bought a farm about three miles south of the town, where 
he still lives, being about eighty-four years of age. He 
served many years as justice of the peace, and also was 
county commissioner. Two of his sons, Samuel and Wm. 
R., have held the office of county auditor. John Rine 
came from Maryland about the year 1819, and is still living 
in the township, being over eighty years of age. He was 
a soldier of the war of 1812, and now a pensioner. Peter 
Ault, in 1814, came from Belmont county, Ohio. He died 
in 1844. He was a cooper. Augustine White, Joshua 
Lemert, Pierce Koland, and Payne Clark were all from 
Virginia. Clark came in in 1808, farmed extensively for 
several years, and then removed to Indiana. Lemert came 
in 1810, and was for years a prominent citizen of the town- 
ship. His descendants are still well known in the region. 
White came in 1818 ; reared a large family ; died in 1852. 
Poland came in 1814 ; was a farmer ; died in 1834. Adam 
Gault came into the township in 1815 ; was from Pennsyl- 
vania ; died in 1846. About 1817, Samuel Perkins, from 
Pennsylvania, entered the tract on which West Carlisle is 
now situated. 

WHITE EYES TOWNSHIP. 

The first freeholder in this township was John Hender- 
son, who was in possession of four hundred and eighty acres 
of land in 1818. His brother, George, is understood to 
have been interested with him, and they were both occu- 
pants. They were from Beaver county, Pennsylvania. 
George died on his farm in White Eyes, at advanced years, 
in 1868. 

In 1818, Michael Stonehocker settled in White Eyes. 
He was from Jefterson county, Ohio, not far from Smith- 
field. The next year Jacob Stonehocker, brother of Mich- 
ael, and John M., the father of both Michael and Jacob, 
came to White Eyes. John M. died in a few years. 



34 Histoi'ical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Michael removed to Powsheik county, Iowa, in 1865. Ja- 
cob died in White Eyes. 

Michael Frock was born in Chester county, Pennsyl- 
vania, May 9, 1785. He married Elizabeth Seldenright, in 
1807. In 1818, they came to White Eyes. He was the 
first justice of the peace of that township. His wife died 
in 1856, and himself in 1871. 

Abner Kimball, from [NTew Hampshire, settled in White 
Eyes in 1818 ; died in 1870. 

John McPherson, from Virginia, was a resident of White 
Eyes from 1821 to 1834. He was a soldier in Anthony 
Wayne's army. 

Robert Boyd, from county Donegal, Ireland, came to 
White Eyes in 1824. He died in a few years. His sons 
are yet well-known citizens of the neighborhood. 

The Ravenscrafts were among the best known citizens 
of White Eyes for many years. They were freeholders in 
1820. One of the family (William) Avas a Revolutionary 
soldier. James was county surveyor for some years. He 
died in the township about 1854. 

John Carnahan came to White Eyes in 1826, and in the 
following year his father and the rest of the family, viz. : 
Adam, James, Ellanor, Andrew, Thompson, William, 
Nancy (now Mrs. Alex. Renfrew), Eliza, and Hugh. Most 
of these are still in the land. The family came originally 
from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. John, the first 
named, died November 21, 1869, being sixty-six years old. 
His wife (Sarah Marshall, of Jeflerson county) died Janu- 
ary 30, 1872, aged about seventy-three years. 

George McCaskey, from Donegal county, Ireland, came 
to White Eyes in 1819, and remained on the same farm 
until his death, in 1871. He was eighty-six years of age. 
His wife died in 1862, in her eightieth year. 

Wm. Himebaugh, long a resident of this township, was 
countv auditor. 



Notices of Earlier Settlers^ etc. 35 



CHAPTER V. 

SOME NOTICES OF THE PRINCIPAL EARLY SETTLERS, AND OTHER MATTERS OF 
INTEREST PERTAINING TO EACH TOWNSHIP. 

Thompson has been a prominent name in the heralcliy of 
Bedford township from the start. The name, familiar and 
in good repute in all that region, was among the first, if 
not the first, heard in the township as that of a settler. 
James Thompson, a native of New Jersey and a soldier in 
the Revolutionary War, settled near West Bedford, in 1808. 
Henry Haines and his bachelor brother, John, came in about 
the same time. They were from Bedford county, Pennsyl- 
vania ; as also was Michael Heaton, who laid out the town 
of West Bedford. Heaton set up the first loom in the 
township, and for many years his own and his wife's fame 
was good in connection with '* the fine linen," which was 
quite a thing in that day. Thomas and Edward Smith 
came in about the close of the war of 1812. The story 
was long current that the latter accompanied some Amer- 
ican soldiers on their return home from Canada, where he 
had been in the British army. 

The first resident land tax-payers were Ezra and Thomas 
Horton. They had some blooded-stock, and were well up 
in " the horse talk " of their day. Elias James still lives 
on the place in the township where he settled at a day giv- 
ing him rank among " the earliest settlers," paying taxes 
on it since 1822, but occupying it at a still earlier day. The 
family was from Virginia. John McNabb entered, before 
much land was taken up in the township, the place now oc- 
cupied by his son. So, likewise, did Thomas Norris, Sr. 
Daniel and James McCurdy, long known in the township, 
were among the pioneers. So, too, were Bennett Browner, 
Nathan Evans, Edward McCoy, Henry Rine, Wm. Rich- 
ards, and Hugh Barrett. 

The township got its name through the influence of the 
settlers who had come from Bedford, Pennsylvania. 



36 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 



VIRGINIA TOWNSHIP. 

In Virginia township, as in some others, there were some 
who spent a single season taking a little tract hj^ towahawk 
title, or beginning a little clearing, and then selling out their 
claims to some one coming along a few mouths later. The 
first settler, properly so called, in this township, was proba- 
bly Joseph Tilton, coming in abont 1804. lie was from 
Maryland. Considerably beyond the four score, he still 
lives in the township. His descendants are, for the most 
part, in the west. Joseph Wright and Joseph McCoy came 
together into the township, December 24, 1806. Mr. 
Wright died, April 1, 1867, being eighty-seven years of 
age. Probably no one was more prominent in the town- 
ship. His oldest son, Willis, is now a resident of Coshoc- 
ton. Another son, Thomas, still lives in the old home 
township. Mr. McCoy, a number of years ago, was injured 
by a horse in his stable, and died from the effects of the 
injury, being in his eighty-seventh year. His children (one 
of them now eighty-two years of age), are well-known 
residents of Virginia or Jackson townships. Wm. Xorris 
settled in Virginia township in 1808, and remained until 
his death, which occurred many years ago, at advanced 
years. One son, Daniel, died in 1875, aged eighty-one 
years. Another son, Samuel, still lives in the township, 
as also other descendants. These tiiree families were all 
from the south branch of the Potomac, and were somewhat 
intermarried. jS^ancy Hays was a daughter of Norris — 
afterward married to Joseph McCoy. Mrs. Hays was a 
tax-paying landholder in 1814. Elisha Compton, now of 
Roscoe, married her daughter. 

Henr}' iSlaughter settled in Virginia township in 1812. 
He died in 1858, in his eighty-seventh year. Alex. Slaugh- 
ter and Dr. Slaughter are his sons. 

Beall Adams also came into Virginia in 1812, settling 
upon three hundred and twenty acres of laud. He died, at 
advanced age, some j-ears ago. Two of his sons are still 
jn the township. John Graves — the father of Wesley, of 



Notices of Earlier Settlers, etc. 37 

Jackson township, and also of Joseph — came into Virginia 
in 1814. 

The descendants and successors of the early settlers, as 
the}' themselves did, have given their attention almost 
exclusively to agricultural affairs. 

The township was called Virginia, in remembrance of 
the old home of most of the early settlers. 

KEENE TOWNSHIP. 

Geo. Bible is recognized by many as the first settler in what 
is now Keene township. He came from Virginia very early 
in the century; was a good example of the Daniel Boone 
type of pioneer ; loved the solitude of the woods, and was 
happiest roaming them, with no companion save dog and 
rifle, or sitting by his cabin fire " far from the haunts of 
busy men." James Oglesby was a very early settler in the 
township, some say the earliest. He also came from Vir- 
ginia, and is said to have traveled up the Muskingum and 
Walhonding rivers, in true Indian style, in a canoe. Bar- 
tholomew Tha^'er and Samuel Wiley were Revolutionary 
soldiers — taking up lands with their land warrants. Mr. 
Thayer and his wife were buried on their farm, near Keene. 
He died in 1826 — about seventy years of age; she in 1825, 
at same age. A son, over ninety years of age, is reputed 
as still living at Elyria, O. Jesse Beal, the founder of 
the town of Keene, was from !N'elson, Cheshire county, 
N. H. He died about 1835, being some forty -five years 
of age. 

Adam Johnson (father of Dr. M. Johnson, of Roscoe) 
and Dr. Benjamin Hill were born in Cheshire county, IST. 
H. ; came to Keene about 1820. The doctor returned to 
New England and died, after burying his wife, who lies in 
the Keene burial-ground. Mr. Johnson was a good repre- 
sentative of Continental days ; strong in body and mind ; 
dignified in manner; wore a queue; had knowledge of 
the Latin language ; was a student of the philosophies. 
James Pew was a soldier of 1812, still living in the 
township. The Farwells came in about 1825, from 
Cheshire county, N. H. Benton and Farwell built the 



38 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

iirst grist and saw-mill in the township. Robert Farwell 
kept hotel for many years in Keene. William Livingston 
was a justice of the peace, shrewd in judgment, but keeping 
such a docket that it was nicknamed " Bulwer's Novels." 
He died in 1840, aged seventy-two years. Andrew and 
Elisha Elliott and Henr}- Ramsey were well-known resi- 
dents of Keene township, all immigrants from Ireland. 
Ramsey kept store in Keene about 1835. All three are 
dead. 

Timothy Emerson was a citizen of Keene township from 
1818 until 1873 ; came from Ashby, Mass. He reached 
the good old age of ninety-six; was a farmer ; died Octo- 
ber 30, 1873, just as arrangements were about being carried 
out for removal to Granville, where two children resided. 
He was greatly beloved — " a good man." 

Jonas Child, Chancery Litchfield, Calvin Adams, Samuel 
Stone, and Jacob Emerson were early and active citizens 
of Keene township, and long dwelt in it. They were all 
from New England. 

John Sprague, born in Cheshire county, N. H., in 1796, 
came to Keene in 1834 ; recently removed to Illinois. 

It will be observed that many of the early settlers of 
Keene township were from Cheshire county, N. IL, the 
county-seat of which is Keene, and hence the name of the 
township. 

The oldest man now living in the township is doubtless 
John Crowley, a Virginian by birth, who came into the 
county about 1816. He is verging on to a century in years ; 
was for some time sherift", and held other offices, including 
that of member of the legislature. 

John Daugherty lived fifty odd years on the farm near 
Keene, where he died about ten years ago. George Beaver 
is also a very old man, full of memories of the pioneer 
times. 

The death of two " centenarians," Mr. Humphrey, aged 
one hundred and three, and Mr. Oglesby, about one hun- 
dred, is reported as having occurred in one day. 

The claim is that Keene township can show the longest 



Notices of Eai'lier Settlers^ etc. 39 

roll of very old people. Still people do sometimes die even 
in Keene. 

JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 

The first resident tax-paying landowners in Jackson 
township were the Fosters (Samuel, T\^illiam, David, Ben- 
jamin, Moses, and Andrew). The family was originally 
from Virginia, but came to Jackson township from Har- 
rison county, Ohio, in 1816. The father died soon after 
the removal. David died some twenty years ago, and Sam- 
uel some two years. Moses and Andrew removed to the 
west a number of years ago. William still lives at ad- 
vanced years where he first settled upon his marriage. 

Barney and Thomas Cantwell were very early settlers in 
that part of Jackson township which originally belonged 
to Tuscarawas. The run just below Roscoe was long 
known as " Cantwell's run." Abel Cain was another very 
early settler. 

About 1814 a man by the name of Sible built a small 
distillery on the farm just south of Roscoe, now owned by 
John G. Stewart. A little later he put up a little mill on 
CantwelFs run, about a third of a mile up. It was called 
a thunder-gust mill, as it only ran with full force after a 
heavy shower. 

" Sible's corn-juice" was very popular in that day, and 
the business done by him and his neighbor, Samuel Brown, 
was enough to warrant the idea of a town, and doubtless 
led James Calder to lay out in that vicinity " Caldersburg." 

Brown was from Massachusetts ; first located, in 1814, at 
Rock run, three miles south of Coshocton. In 1816 he 
settled on a tract about a mile and a half west of Roscoe, 
and, after clearing a few acres and building a cabin, sold 
his claim to John Demoss. He then built a saw-mill on 
Cantwell's run, which had head of water enough to run 
the mill on an average three daj's in the week. For a 
number of years (until he united with the church) he de- 
pended on Sunday visitors to give him a lift in getting 
enough logs on the skids to keep the, mill at work. The 
neighborly feeling, mellowed with a good supply of neigh- 
bor Sible's corn-juice, sweetened with neighbor Creig's 



40 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

maple-sugar (see below), was always equal to the demands 
thus made. Later in life Mr. Brown engaged in the making 
of brick. He remained in the vicinity until he died, in 
February, 1871, aged eighty-four years. He was for many 
years a useful and highly esteemed citizen. 

About 1815 a man by the name of Creig bought forty 
acres of land, and built a cabin a little south of Robert 
Crawford's residence, on the tract now owned by Burns 
and Johnson. He was one of the most successful makers 
of maple-sugar, an article largely made, and in universal 
use in early days in Coshocton county for sweetening cotfee, 
tea, whisky, etc. Mr. Creig died about 1826, and the family 
removed from the county. 

Theophilus Phillips was from the State of ISTew Jersey. 
He lived in Zanesville several years, and in 1815 entered and 
settled upon the farm now best known as the Dr. Roberts' 
farm, in the western part of Jackson township. In 1816 
he sold this tract, and built a cabin in what is now Roscoe, 
and having lived in that a few years, he built, in 1821, 
the first brick house in the vicinity, using it for a tavern 
for a number of years. He moved to Indiana about 1845, 
and there died in 1858, being seventy-four years old. His 
daughter, Mrs. Hutchinson, is still living in Roscoe, under- 
stood to be the only person resident in Roscoe in the day 
of the opening of the " Phillips' tavern." 

Reuben Hart was a brother-in-law of Phillips, also from 
IN'ew Jersey, and in 1816 occupied the farm next to Phil- 
lips, now known as the Wallace Sutton farm. 

Wm. Starkey came from Virginia in the spring of 1815, 
worked for a time in Carhart's tannery, one mile north of 
Roscoe; afterward lived for a time in Coshocton, but is an 
old settler in Jackson. 

John Demoss (father of Lewis Bemoss, of Empire Mill) 
came from Virginia, and settled in Jackson township in 
1817. He bought out Samuel Brown, as elsewhere stated, 
and lived on the tract until his death, March 4, 1840. 

Abraham Randies and Thomas J. Ramphey came from 
Virginia, about 1817. They have both been dead many 



Notices of Earlier Settlers^ etc. 41 

years. John Randies, son of Abraham, is supposed to be 
the oldest citizen now in the township that was born in it. 

CLARK TOWNSHIP. 

The earliest settlers in Clark township are understood 
to have been the following : Parker Bnckalew, from Vir- 
ginia, came in about 1817, settling in Killbuck valley ; 
Isaac Hoagland, from Virginia, was here at a very early 
day ; Abraham Miller, also a Virginian, came in about 
1819 ; Andrew Weatherwat, a New Yorker, arrived about 
same date ; Piatt Williamson, from Virginia. 

These were all farmers, and encountered the hardships 
and perils in that line of work. 

About 1820, Eli Fox, originally from the State of N'ew 
Hampshire, but directly from Zanesville, built a mill on 
Killbuck, to which the settlers had to blaze paths. The mill 
was burned in 1829. Before it was built the people went to 
Knox county for flour, or got it at Zanesville, as well as 
other goods, which they received in exchange for logs cut 
on the banks of the Killbuck, and rafted down to that 
place. 

John and William Craig, from Western Pennsylvania, 
fixed their stakes on Doughty's fork of Killbuck before 
1820. 

Joel Glover, from Jefierson county, long holding the im- 
portant oflace of justice of the peace, and who (as well as 
his children) has " stood high " among his fellow-citizens, 
dates his location among the hills of Killbuck, 1829. 

It is understood that the township was named in honor 
of old Samuel Clark, long a county commissioner, who was 
among the earliest and most highly esteemed citizens of the 
Killbuck valley. 

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 

In 1818, the tax-paying landholders in Jefferson township 
were Joseph Butler, Thomas Butler, Robert Darling, 
Stephen Meredith, and Abner Meredith. They were all 
from Virginia. Darling and the Butlers came in 1806 ; the 
Merediths a little later. They and their descendants have 
been well known in the land. One of Darling's sons 



42 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

(Thomas) was for years county commissioner. They were 
all farmers. 

Henry Carr came from Virginia in 1805, and, after rais- 
ing a few crops in the prairie in Bethlehem township, set- 
tled in Jefferson. He was the grandfather of ex-sheriff 
J. H. Carr. 

Colonel Wm. Simmons, a Virginian, who had been a 
colonel in the Revolutionary War, received for his services 
" Simmons section," the southeast quarter of this town- 
ship, and settled thereon about 1819. He died at a good 
old age, and was buried on his farm. The family was one 
of the few who brought a carriage with them to the county. 
A son, C. W. Simmons, was in the Legislature ; now re- 
sides in Iowa at very advanced age. A daughter was mar- 
ried by General Wm. Carhart. 

John Elder emigrated from Ireland to Virginia in 1804, 
and thence came with the Darlings to the Walhonding 
valley, in 1806. After making several other locations, he 
settled in Jefferson township about 1820. He died in 1851, 
on his farm, now occupied by his son, Cyrus Elder, a little 
west of Warsaw. He was a full-blooded, county Antrim, 
Presbyterian. He was twice married, and reared a 
large family, still prominent in the township. During the 
War of 1812, he spent some months in hauling supplies to 
the soldiers. 

The Thompsons, Givens, and Moores have also long been 
among the well-known citizens of this township, and the 
two iirst named were very early settlers in it, coming from 
Pennsylvania or Eastern Ohio. The Tredaways have also 
been long in the land. 

CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 

The early settlers in Crawford township were almost, 
without exception, Pennsylvania Germans, and the leading 
element of the township is even yet of at least German 
descent; Protestant as to religious faith. Most of the 
tracts of land originally taken up were small, and it is the 
most densely populated — more inhabitants to the square 
mile — of any of the townships in the county. In 1822 the 



Notices of Earlier Settlers, etc. 43 

resident landholders were Philip and John Fernsler, 
George and William Gotshall, John and Jacob Luke, John 
Smith, Daniel Salsbnry, John Albert, and William Stall. 
These were all in the township a little before that time, 
but then were tax-paying residents. The township was 
organized in 1828, and from 1830 to 1850 the inflow of pop- 
ulation was very great, the township having in the latter 
year some 1,500 people in it. The Crawfords and Hime- 
baughs and Lorentzs and Lowens and Everharts and 
Winklpleeks and Doaks are reported as old and well- 
known families of this township. From 1850 to 1870 the 
population of Crawford fell oflt" nearly three hundred, and it 
is said many of the old "first families" in point of settle- 
ment are now scarcely represented in it. The name of the 
township is said to have been given in honor of Associate 
Judge Crawford, who held a considerable tract of land in 
it, and was very popular. 

MONROE TOWNSHIP. 

Among the pioneers of Monroe were James Parker, 
William Tipton, Daniel and Jeremiah Fetrow, William 
Griffith, Thomas J. Northrup, William Bailey, Anthony 
Evans, and Jonas Stanberry. 

The population has never been very distinctly marked 
as to nationality. In later years there was for a time a 
considerable inflow of Germans, but the tide, even in respect 
to these, soon ebbed rather than flowed. The modesty of 
the people, or the fact that there has actually been little of 
general interest in " the previous condition " of the early 
settlers or the movements of the township, makes these 
notices exceedingly brief. The capital of the township 
was originally designated Van Baren, but a change having 
been determined upon, the gallant citizens, it is said, con- 
ferred the honor of selecting the new name upon the wife 
of the principal of the academy (George Conant, now of 
Coshocton), and she, with an eye to natural fitness, called 
it Spring Mountain. The region may be called the high- 
lands of the county, and the population likely to be drawn 
to it, as hitherto it has been, will be chiefly of the frugal 



44 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

and contented sort. It has furnished what indeed some of 
the more fertile and famous townships have not — a mem- 
ber of the legislature (Hon. E. L. Lybarger), to say noth- 
ing of the present auditor and of other county officers. 
Evidently the early settlers gave the township a good 
" send-ofl'." 

TIVERTON TOWNSHIP. 

In 1817, the only settler who had got his name into the 
books as a resident land-owner in this township was Isaac 
Draper. He had indeed been in for some time before, as 
were a few others ; but getting a name and a place in a 
new country even yet takes some time. "Tomahawk 
titles " were no longer recognized ; but transfers of titles, 
and verifying of lines, etc., took time when nothing else did. 

A few years later than Draper's entering, the following 
were in Tiverton : Thomas Borden, "Wm. Humphrey, Mat- 
thew and William Hirt, Charles Ryan, James and John 
Conner, Wm. Durban, John Holt, and Isaac Thatcher. 

Tiverton has always been a sparsely settled township — 
her people almost purely agricultural, frugal, hardy, 
boasting of the good health found in their highlands. 
Some of the early settlers came in from counties in Ohio, 
somewhat further east or south ; but a very noticeable ele- 
ment was of New England or New York origin. Several 
of the older branches of the early settlers have paid the 
debt of nature — in almost every case attaining to a good old 
age, and passing away as quietly as they had lived; but. 
the families of forty years ago in Tiverton are, in noticeable 
degree, the families of to-day. 

When the AValhonding canal was being built, some 
expectation was indulged of Tiverton attaining quite a 
degree of commercial importance, and especially of its 
Rochester reaching prominence as a manufacturing point ; 
but this failed with the failure to extend the canal. 

BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP. 

When this township was organized, the honor of naming 
it was given to the then oldest resident of the region, who 



Notices of Earlier Settlers, etc. 45 

was Wra. Speaks, a Revolutionary soldier, and he named 
it Bethlehem. 

Very early in the century, say about 1801, Wm. and 
Samuel Morrison, Ira Kimberly, and James Craig lived in 
what is now Bethlehem township. The first three were 
from Virginia. Craig, after a few years, moved to Coshoc- 
ton, where he and all his family died, about 1814, of " Cold 
Plague." . John Bantham and Henry Carr came to Bethle- 
hem about 1806 — the former from Virginia, the latter from 
near Baltimore, Md. The Burrells were early settlers in 
the township. Joseph Burrell died in the township in 
August, 1874, being about eighty-eight years of age. 
Benjamin Fry, occupying the laud about "Fry's Ford," 
was also an early settler. Adam Markley, about 1808, 
came in with a large family — eight sons and four daughters. 
They were all farmers, and nearly all have been buried in 
this county. Barbara Markley, in her ninety-first year, 
and probably the oldest person now living in the township, 
is the widow of Wm. Markley. John Markley, killed by 
Geo. Arnold, at an election in Coshocton, in 1816, was of 
this family; also David Markley, now living at Lewisville. 

Samuel Clark came from Virginia to Coshocton county 
about 1801, settling a few years later in Bethlehem, and 
there dying, a few years since, at a good old age. He was 
a justice of the peace during nearly all his active life; was 
also county commissioner several times. Gabriel Clark 
came about same time. Three sons of Samuel Clark 
(William, John, and Gabriel), with many descendants, are 
still living in the county.* Michael Hogle, John Merri- 
hew, and David Ash settled in the township, April, 1814. 
They were all from Vermont. Michael Hogle raised a 
family of nineteen children; removed to Illinois in 1845, 
and died there in June, 1846. 

The first mechanic (blacksmith) in the township was 
Albert Torrey, about 1814. 

* William Clark died, April 14, 1876, of lung fever, at his home in 
the township. He had been for some time a justice of the peace. 
Was sixty-five years old. 



46 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

The first school (lu a log house) was taught hy Charles 
Elliott, afterward the famous Methodist preacher, editor, 
aud college president. 

ADAMS TOWNSHIP. 

One-half of this township was military land, and the 
other half Congress land. Much of the latter was entered 
after the township was organized, which was in 1832. 
Wm. Addy was the first tax-paying freeholder (in 1819). 
Among the earliest settlers were Robert Corbit ; James 
Jones, who, while the region was yet a part of Oxford 
township, served as justice of the peace, and his brother 
Wm. Jones ; Wm. Norris, from Virginia, whose distinction 
was that of having twenty-one children ; Thomas Powell, 
an emigrant from England ; John Baker, the founder of 
Bakersville, coming from New Jersey ; another branch of 
the Norris family settled near Bakersville, and of a some- 
what later date, but still in before the township was organ- 
ized ; the Campbells from Steubenville, and the Walters 
from Eastern Ohio. The first justice of the peace was 
Patrick Steele Campbell, who held the office until his 
death in 1850, Vincent DeWitt, and Leonard Hawk were 
early settlers, and the latter name is still represented in 
the township. The Mysers and Shannons, too, have long 
had a place " in the land." 

LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP. 

Although Lafayette township was the last to be organ- 
ized, the territory in it was among the first occupied. As 
early as 1801, Charles and Esaias Baker were raising corn 
on what is now known as the Colonel Andrew Ferguson 
farm. In 1802, George and Wendell Miller came out from 
Virginia, and continued to dwell in the township nntil they 
died at advanced years. Thomas Wiggins, also from Vir- 
ginia, came in about the same time. In 1804, Francis 
McGuire, who had lived in the same locality (on the south 
branch of the Potomac, near Komney), whence the Millers 
and Wiggins had come, moved to the Tuscarawas valley 



Notices of Earlier Settlers^ etc. 47 

above j^ew Comerstown, and in 1807 came ou down the 
valley to the locality in Lafayette township still known as 
the " McGuire settlement." The family were carried in a 
wagon which was driven along on the bank of the river, 
sometimes in it, and they afterward used the wagon-bed as 
their shelter and sleeping-place until a cabin could be built, 
which, in the want of help to any considerable extent from 
neighbors, took more time than in after years. Mr. 
McGuire died on the place thus taken up by him in 1853, 
being about seventy-six years of age. 

In 1804, Seth McLain, also from Virginia, settled near 
the Bakers, putting up a cabin near the fine spring which 
now supplies Colonel Ferguson's house. After residing 
some ten years, the " settlers " discovered they were on 
the " Higby section " of military land, and moved over into 
Linton township, becoming thus early settlers therein. 
McLain married one of the Sells, whose connec- 
tions had settled further up the river. His son James 
(father of Seth and Colonel R. W. McLain) died a couple 
of years ago, aged about seventy-five years. Thomas 
McLain came into Lafayette township in 1805, and re- 
mained until his death. A son (Isaac) is probably the old- 
est citizen now in the township, about seventy-two years 
of age. 

Joseph C. Iligbee, from Trenton, N"ew Jersey, settled on 
his military section about 1820, and remained there until 
his death, about 1873, in the seventy-fourth year of his 
age. It is said his death was hastened, if not caused, by a 
violent abuse he received from some one who, it is believed, 
purposed robbery. His first wife was Miss Hackinson. 
One of his daughters was married to Rev. Mr. Southard, 
who was for a time a minister of Trinity Church, New 
York. Another is said to have married Mr. Hay, a lawyer, in 
Pittsburg. John Richmond, of Orange, married a daughter 
by the second wife. As illustrating " the style " of the 
man, the story was long current in the neighborhood, that^ 
when he first came to the country, then in comparatively a 
wilderness condition, he brought with him six dozen rufiied 
shirts. 



48 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

James M. Burt and Andrew Ferguson, long prominent 
citizens of the township, do not la}' claim to being among 
the " old settlers," but they were in the neighborhood be- 
fore it was organized. 



Advancement of County in Wealthy etc. 49 



CHAPTER VI. 

ADVANCEMENT OF COUNTY IN WEALTH, TAXATION, ETC. 

The wealth of the first settlers of Coshocton county was 
almost wholly in their bold hearts and brawny arms. Some 
of them readily carried all their stuff in a small watercraft 
or on horseback. A few of them had in addition their 
broad, uncleared acres. Many of these were entered with 
laud-warrants at nominal cost. Many acres were bought 
for from one to three dollars apiece. Even as late as 1830, 
the farm now occupied by J. W. Dwyer was bought at nine 
dollars an acre. It had, however, it is only fair to say, been 
sold for ten dollars, and the lower price above given was 
owing in part to the depression in lands on the east side of 
the river, in consequence of the canal having been built upon 
the other side. About the same time, some good lots in 
Coshocton were sold at sheriff's sale for from six to ten 
dollars. A few years later, after the bridges had been 
built, the land again changed hands at fifteen dollars per 
acre. Some of the early settlers spent the first season in 
bark or branch huts. The rifle and fishing-line secured 
much of the subsistence. It is claimed that old Michael 
Miller lived for weeks upon bear and deer meat, most of 
the time being even without corn-bread. For many years 
barter was the only kind of trade, and at first the skins of 
wild animals entered into it largely.* As late as 1825, the 
only surplus products of the county were ginseng, maple 
sugar, honey, bacon, and whisky. But lands were being 
cleared and improved, and appreciated every year. Do- 

* Bear and deer meat occasionally graced the tables of the settlers 
as late as 1830. Bagnell and Retilley, of Roscoe, about that time 
traded for many a venison ham at twenty-five cents apiece. Still 
later, General Burns took a wolf-skin as pay for a marriage-license. 
Rattlesnakes were never quite so plenty after the exploit of Joseph 
Williams, who reports himself as having killed eighty-four in the sum- 
mer of 1812. 



50 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

mestic stock was increasing rapidly, and soon hogs and 
cattle were marketed in large numbers. Droves were taken 
east, and store-goods brought back. After the opening of the 
Ohio canal, the advancement of the county, in wealth as in 
population, was quite marked. Even the mineral resources 
of the county began to be regarded as elements of wealth. 
Coal was shipped to Newark and Columbus. Flour, bacon, 
and whisky, and even dried fruits,* became very considera- 
ble features of commercial transactions. Then fine cattle 
and sheep began to count largely. The opening of the 
railroad gave an impulse to the improvement and advance- 
ment of the county unequalled by anything else in its his- 
tory. Butter and eggs and domestic fowls soon had more 
in them than would pay all the taxes of the people. Ship- 
ments of coal in an extensive and systematic way began, and, 
despite .occasional interruptions, steadily grew, bringing 
into the county large sums to flow into other wealth- 
bearing channels. Better buildings were erected in both 
town and country, and fitted with more costly furniture.f 
Much improvement was made in farm appliances, the grow- 
ing scarcity of labor, especially during the war, necessitat- 
ing these. Manufacturing interests were much enlarged ; 
and at length when, in 1875, an examination was made by 
the proper officers, it was found that the valuation for tax- 
ation of the real and personal property was $13,672,770. 
As the valuation in 1850 was only §5,026,561, it appears 
that even duly allowing for the fact that the later valuation 
was affected by the current inflation, the county has in the 
last twenty -five years more than doubled its wealth ; and 
this, too, in the face of a diminishing population, as else- 
where noted. Of the total valuation about nine and a half 
millions are in real, and the other four in personal property. 
The principal items of the latter are as follows : horses, 

* " Johnny Appleseed," an eccentric but far-seeing man, had fre- 
quently journeyed from Wheeling to Mansfield, donating his little 
sacks of seeds, and planting his little nurseries in out-of-the-way places 
iSuited for them. 

f In 1850, there were only fourteen pianos in the county; in 1875, 
. one hundred and twelve. 



Advancement of County in Wealthy etc. 51 

$488,000 ; cattle, $269,000 ; sheep, $265,000 ; hogs, $75,000 ; 
bank and other corporation stocks, $569,000 (of which in 
town of Coshocton, $189,000); moneys, $469,000; book 
accounts, credits, etc., $1,110,000 (of which $472,000 in 
town of Coshocton) ; merchants' stocks, $232,000 ; car- 
riages, $150,000. 

TAXES. 

Land subject to taxes was, in the early days, divided into 
three classes. Of the one hundred and thirty-eight resident 
land-holders in 1814, only Robert Darling, Isaac Evans, 
Patrick Miller, James Meskimens, Benjamin Robinson, and 
Charles Williams had " first class " land. James Meski- 
mens, on one hundred and sixty acres of first class and 
five hundred and sixty of second class land paid in that 
year fourteen dollars taxes. Besides the tax on land there 
were license fees paid into the county treasury for keeping 
taverns, ferries, and stores. Taxes on personal property 
were specific, and not according to value. In 1822 horses, 
mares, mules, and asses were each taxed thirty cents ; neat 
cattle, ten cents per head, and town-lots one-half per cent, 
on their returned value. 

The taxes collected in 1812, amounted to something over 
$1,000, of which $260 were paid over to the State. The 
county treasurer for 1816 reported the collections at $1,319. 
In 1822, the number of resident tax-payers was 1279. In 
1825, the collected tax was $2,932.34, and the delinquent 
list counted up some $700. The tax collected in 1840 was 
$23,000. The State tax alone in 1875 was $42,417. The 
paying of the bonds given by the county and townships 
for the railroad ; the great improvements in school line ; 
the construction of half a dozen large and many more small 
bridges (many of them of iron), and the erection of the new 
jail and sheriff's house and court-house, have for some years 
demanded very heavy local taxation. The levy for 1875, 
for county purposes, was $68,414, and for other local pur- 
poses $80,523. 

The indebtedness of the county, March 1, 1876, is an in- 
considerable sum, and the townships and villages are in 
debt but a few thousands in the aggregate. 



52 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 



CHAPTER VII. 

SOMETHING ABOUT ROADS, FERRIES, BRIDGES, STEAMBOATS, CANALS, AND 
RAILROADS. 

Some of tlie earliest settlers of Coshocton county came 
into it by the route taken by Broadhead's military expe- 
dition, and others by that taken by Boquet's expedition — 
the former from "Wheeling, and the latter from Pittsburg 
to the Tuscarawas valley. The roads were of course In- 
dian trails and bridle-paths. Others of the pioneers used 
canoes or other water conveyances, floating or poling up or 
down, as the case might be, the rivers and creeks. 

While yet a part of Muskingum county, the road through 
Coshocton from Marietta to Cleveland had been made. 

In 1812, the legislature provided for roads from Cam- 
bridge to Coshocton ; from the head of "White Eyes plains 
to Cadiz, and from Coshocton westwardly. Congress ap- 
propriated three per cent, of moneys derived from the sale 
of land to the making of roads. For the making of State 
roads, or the principal ones, commissioners were designated 
by the legislature. Many roads laid out in early times have 
in more recent years been somewhat altered, but the chief 
ones are in alignment wonderfully near the old Indian trails. 
An immense proportion of the time occupied in the sessions 
of the county commissioners has been from the beginning, 
even to this writing, taken up with road matters. "With all the 
alterations and improvements, Coshocton county has even 
yet little to boast of in the way of roads. There is not 
prabably at this writing a mile of turnpiked or macadamized 
road in the county. Fortunately in many parts of the 
eounty, especially along the valleys, the natural grade is 
such and the soil of such composition as to give for most 
of the year quite fair facilities for traveling. 



Roads^ Ferries^ Bridges, Steamboats, etc. 53 



FERRIES. 

Ferries were established very early iu the century at 
Coshocton and near New Comerstown. Later they were 
numerous on the Tuscarawas and Walhonding rivers and on 
Will's creek and Killbuck creek. The business was never 
a very remunerative one to those operating the ferries, and 
the appliances rather rude. In 1817 the price of license for 
the ferry at Coshocton was put at sixteen dollars, and for 
the upper Tuscarawas at seven dollars. The authorized 
charge for ferriage was : for footman, six and one-quarter 
cents ; horse and rider, twelve and one-half cents ; loaded 
two-horse wagon, seventy-five cents. As might be ex- 
pected, the attention of the ferryman was not always close. 
A witness in the court once declared that he " had been en- 
tertained (detained) for two hours waiting in the rain for 
the coming over of the ferryman." At another time the 
ferryman in charge declining on account of ice to come 
over, a settler famed for his courage and strength, and 
fresh from a visit to his girl " up the country," swam over 
the river, and not stopping to fully dress, " threshed " the 
ferryman and a dozen bar-room loafers in the tavern near 
by. At the ferry at the mouth of Will's creek John H. 
Hutchinson lost a valuable pair of horses, and barely es- 
caped with his own life, the flat having been carried away 
by the force of the swollen stream, when the horses had 
not got a complete footing, and were dragged down by the 
wagon, which was heavily loaded with iron castings being 
brought from Zanesville for the Coshocton mill. It is said 
that one of the earlier ferrymen (perhaps an employe of 
Williams) at Coshocton for a time lived with his family in 
the trunk of an immense tree, quite after the big kind now 
attracting so much attention in the Yosemite (California) 
region. 

Sanuel Morrison seems to have been the last licensed 
ferryman at Coshocton, and James M. Burt's father at the 
upper Tuscarawas ferry. 



54 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 



BRIDGES. 

A toll-bridge was built for the county over Killbuck in 
1818 by Adam Johnston, at a cost of $495. Thomas John- 
ston and others, authorized by the legislature, built one over 
Will's creek. After many years this was turned over to the 
county, on condition that it should be repaired and kept up. 
A bridge was built over the Tuscarawas at Coshocton in 
1832 by Elisha Gibbs, Robert Hay, and William K. John- 
son, under the supervision of James Renfrew, Samuel Lee, 
and Benjamin Ricketts, who were designated for the pur- 
pose by the county commissioners, and especially repre- 
sented the citizens, who made donations (amounting to 
$1,200) for the building of this bridge, in order to have it a 
free bridge. It was carried away in a freshet about a year 
after it was finished.* 

In 1836 a contract for the present bridge over the Tusca- 
rawas, and also the one over the Walhonding at Roscoe 
was made with William Renfrew, James Hay, Thomas 
Johnson, and Robert Hay. The Tuscarawas bridge was 
finished in 1837, and the other in the following year. The 
contractors received for both bridges $19,900. That was a 
large sum for a county expenditure in those days, and there 
was some difficulty in obtaining it. Sealed proposals for 
the loan were invited, without response. General Burns 
was sent by the commissioners to Baltimore to get the 
money, but failed. Ten thousand dollars of it were at 
length obtained through the Bowmaus of Brownesville, 
Pa., legal custodians for some parties in Columbiana county, 
Ohio, and the other $10,000 from the " Ohio Life and Trust 
Company." For the first ten years the county was to pay 
only the interest and in the second ten the interest and 
$2,000 per year of the principal. 

The next considerable bridge erected was a wooden one 
at Walhonding about 1854. It got out of shape, and was 
regarded by many as insecure, and was rebuilt in 1860. 

*" Sal's Gut," a bayou near the Tuscarawas bridge troubled the old 
settlers a good deal, but it was at length filled. 



JRoads^ Ferries^ Bridges^ Steamboats^ etc. 55 

Again giving way, it was superseded by an iron bridge in 
1872. Some of the material in the old bridge was used in 
the masonry of the new. A mistake in dimensions was 
made, increasing the expense of the masonry, which (almost 
wholly for labor) cost some $1,200. The masons were 
Bachman Brothers and N. "W. Buxton. The superstructure 
was furnished by the Coshocton Iron and Steel Works, and 
cost $7,844. The ice in the winter of 1874 carried away a 
pier and two spans of this bridge. The latter were re- 
placed by the Cincinnati Bridge Company (of which for a 
time the Coshocton Iron and Steel "Works was a partner) in 
1875. 

The next bridge built was the Meskimens bridge, on the 
upper Tuscarawas, about 1854, costing some $10,000. This 
also was disturbed and somewhat rebuilt. The river having 
in 1861 cut a new channel, necessitated a new bridge a few 
hundred yards east of this one, the cost of which was about 
$9,000. 

In 1868-9, the Warsaw and Fry's Ford bridges (wooden) 
were built. John Shrake, of Newark, was contractor for 
masonry on both. The superstructure of the former was 
contracted for by B. & J. Haggerty, and of the latter by 
John Hesket. The masonry of the Warsaw bridge cost 
$6,765 ; of the Fry's Ford, $6,709. The superstructure of 
the former cost $8,893, and of the latter, $6,100. 

The Orange bridge was built in 1870 ; the masonry — K. 
W. Buxton, contractor — cost $8,311 ; the superstructure 
(iron), J. W. Davenport, contractor, cost $7,258. 

An iron bridge was built over the Mohican, a little above 
Walhonding, in 1871. IS". W. Buxton constructed the piers 
and abutments for $4,465, and the Massillon Iron Bridge 
Company furnished the superstructure for $5,070. 

The Lafayette bridge (iron) was built in 1873 ; stone- 
work by N. W. Buxton ; cost, $6,290; superstructure by 
Cincinnati Bridge Company (J. W. Shipman & Co., of Cin- 
cinnati, and Coshocton Iron and Steel Works) ; cost, $8,746. 

The commissioners are proposing to mark the centennial 
year by building a bridge near Morris' Ford (two miles be- 
low Coshocton), and another at Robinson's Ford (seven 



56 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

miles below Coshocton), over the Muskingum river. The 
masonry of the upper one has been let to S. H. Moore, of 
Tuscarawas township, and of the lower one to Perry Collins, 
of Knox county. The superstructure of both is to be fur- 
nished by the Smith Bridge Company, of Toledo. They 
will be sixteen feet wide (wooden), and cost, together, some 
^21,000. 

STEAMBOATS. 

Until the Ohio canal and Muskingum improvements were 
made, steamboats occasionally came up to Coshocton. The 
original proprietors of the town designated certain lots on 
the river bank as " warehouse lots," looking to shipments 
by river. By act of the legislature, the Muskingum, Wal- 
honding, and Tuscarawas rivers, and Killbuck, Mohican, 
and Will's creeks, within Coshocton county, have been de- 
clared " navigable streams." 

They have not, however, on that part within Coshocton 
county been much disturbed by " prows " for many years. 

In 1875, a little steamboat was built at Jacobsport by 
Mr. Parker, proprietor of the mill, and was running as a 
pleasure and burden boat for short distances on Will's creek. 

CANALS. 

That part of the Ohio canal (from Cleveland and Lake 
Erie to Portsmouth, on the Ohio river) lying in Coshocton 
county was built in 1827-30. Among the chief contractors 
were the following citizens of the county, viz. : Thomas 
Johnston, Wm. Renfrew, Matthew Stewart, Solomon Vail, 
A. Ferguson, Ephraim Thayer, and A. G. Wood. 

A sad incident in the construction of the canal was 
the death of Judge Brown, a citizen of Coshocton, who 
had a contract, and was killed while superintending his 
work by a falling rock. An amusing incident was the ex- 
ploit of one of the M — e girls, who was employed as cook 
for a gang of hands. Picking up the rifle of one of the 
boys who was preparing for a Sunday hunt, she declared 
she would shoot a man on the other side of the river, who 
was only an old bachelor, and, therefore, as she alleged, of 



Roads, Ferries, Bridges, Steamboats, etc. 57 

very little use, and so saying she fired, and actually hit the 
crown of the man's hat. 

The first boat — the " Monticello " — arrived from Cleve- 
land, August 21, 1830. She remained several days at the 
point of the hill above the aqueduct, attracting wonder- 
stricken visitors in multitudes from this, and even adjoin- 
ing counties. 

The "Walhonding canal was commenced in 1836, and fin- 
ished in 1842. In the engineering corps were William H. 
Price, Charles J. Ward, John Waddle, Jacob Blickensder- 
fer, Henry Fields, and Sylvester Medbery. Several of the 
gentlemen named above as contractors on the Ohio canal 
were also connected with this. In addition to these were 
John Frew, S. Mofiitt, Isaac Means, John Crowley, W. K. 
Johnson, and others. This canal lies wholly within the 
county, extending from Roscoe to liochester, twenty-five 
miles. It cost $607,268.99, or an average of $24,290.76 
per mile. 

The first superintendent of the Ohio canal, residing at Ros- 
coe, was S. R. Hosmer, now of Zanesville. Alonzo Ransom, 
James Hay, J ohn Mirise, James Carnes, and Wm. E. Mead, 
also held this office. The first collector was Jacob Welch, 
from Boston, Massachusetts, who (and also John M. Sweeny) 
had been in the engineering corps imder Leander Ransom. 
At his death E. Bennett was appointed. The following 
persons have held that position, viz. : John D. Patton (now of 
Washington City), Houston Hay (of Coshocton), Chauucey 
Bassett (now in Illinois), Wm. M. Green (ex-postmaster of 
Dayton), C. H. Johnston (of Coshocton), James Gamble 
(deceased, of Walhonding), and Foght Burt (now in Illi- 
nois). 

The superintendents of the Walhonding canal were Lang- 
don Hogle, John Perry, Wm. E. Mead, and Charles H. 
Johnston. 

The first canal-boat launched in the county was called 
the " Renfrew," in honor of James Renfrew, a merchant of 
Coshocton. It was built by Thomas Butler Lewis, an old 
Ohio keel-boatman. 

It was intended to have the Walhonding canal extended 



58 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

to the northwestern part of the State, but there was ah-eacly 
(1842) much talk of a speedier mode of conveyance. The 
work had been very expensive, and the members of the 
legislature from districts where canals were not regarded 
as practicable were indisposed to continue the appropria- 
tions. In the days of the prosperity of the canals, several 
gentlemen were required to look after their interests in the 
capacity of collector, superintendent, and lock-tender, but 
of late 3"ears Samuel Gardiner has held all these offices, and 
served besides as justice of the peace and county infirmary 
director. 

RAILROADS. 

The Steubenville and Indiana Railroad (now merged in 
the Pittsburg, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railway) was built 
1850-54 — that part of it in Coshocton county in 1852-53. 
It was originally planned to go from Coshocton up the 
"Walhonding valley, taking much the same direction as was 
once proposed for the Walhonding canal, and striking for 
ISTorthern Indiana and Chicago. But the movements of 
another company anticipated part of this plan, and the road 
was built to Newark. A few individual subscriptions of 
stock were made, but most of the stock, afterward in the 
possession of individuals, came through the contractors to 
whom it had been given for work, or was given to the hold- 
ers of it for right of way, etc. The county, in 1850, took 
$100,000 of the stock of the company, and the townships 
along the line of the road (except Oxford) ^80,000 more — 
viz ; Lafayette, $20,000 ; Tuscarawas, $30,000 ; Franklin, 
$15,000 ; Virginia, $15,000 ; for all of which bonds were is- 
sued. Subsequently, in processes of consolidation and ex- 
tension, nearly one-half of this stock was relinquished, 
leaving the rest in possession of the county and townships. 
No dividend has ever been paid on it, and it is all regarded 
as practically sunken. The road paid into the county 
treasury, as taxes for 1875, the sum of $5,578.68. 

The citizens now readily recalled as having contracts for 
building the road are Samuel Brown (since removed to Illi- 
nois), John Frew, J. W. Rue, John, Ninian, and Geo. 
Ross. 'Neither these nor any other citizens specially con- 



Roads, Ferries, Bridges, Steafnboats, etc. 59 

nected with the building of the road, reaped much benefit 
from it, but many have gained immensely, and the general 
advancement of the county, though it has in amount ex- 
ceeded man}'- times over all that was ever invested in it. 
Until comparatively recent years, one of the board of direc- 
tors was taken from Coshocton county. Wm. K. Johnson 
served in that capacity from the inception of the road until 
his death, and was succeeded by his brother, Joseph K. 
Johnson, now of ISTew York city. 

In 1872, a railroad was located (as a branch of the Cleve- 
land, Mt. Vernon and Columbus Railroad) through Clark, 
Bethlehem, Jefferson, Bedford, and Washington townships, 
and some work was done on it. But " the panic " of 1873 
prevented any further progress for some three years. At 
this writing fresh efforts are being made to complete the 
work. 

The Massilon and Coshocton Railroad, branching from 
the Cleveland, Tuscarawas Valley and "Wheeling Railroad 
near Massilon (Beach city), and running to Coshocton, was 
located in 1875, and by the hearty assistance of parties 
along the line, under the direction of R. B. Dennis, W. L. 
Holden, and others interested in the C, T. V. & W. R. R., 
and also in coal-fields near Coshocton, is at this writing 
being rapidly constructed. A. H. Slayton, J. C. Fisher, E. 
T. Spangler, and J. C. Pomreue, of Coshocton, have been 
actively and ofiicially connected with this enterprise. Sev- 
eral other railroads, notably one from Liberty, in Guernsey 
county, to Coshocton, and thence up the Wallionding val- 
ley (a part substantially of T. S. Humrickhouse's projected 
" Lake Michigan and Tidewater " Railroad) ; but up to 
this writing no effective measures have been taken in rela- 
tion to them. 

The first agent of the S. & I. Railroad at Coshocton was 
John Frew ; then J. W. Rue ; then E. Denmead ; then G. 
G. Ridgely (1864). 

At West Lafayette, J. W. Rue was the first ; then S. 
Ketchum ; then Robert Beall. 

At Oxford the agent is James Coles. J. Sawyer has been 
for many years the agent of the Adams Express Company 
at Coshocton. 



6o Historical Collections of Coshocton County 



CHAPTER VIII. 

COCNTT BCILDIKGS AND OFFICERS. 

For a number of years the courts of Coshocton county 
were hekl in Colonel Charles Williams' tavern, near the 
corner of (now) Water and Chestnut streets, Williams was 
one of the county commissioners at the time the first court 
was held, and then, and for some years afterward, the only 
tavern-keeper in the town. He received thirty dollars a 
year rent for the court-room, and two dollars per term for 
room occupied by juries. Asher Hart occasionally fur- 
nished a jury-room. When Alex. McGowan became clerk 
to the commissioners (in 1821) they entered into a contract 
" with Wilson McGowan for a court-room in the building 
occupied by Wm. Whitten," standing near corner of Second 
and Main streets (now), the site of part of the present " Cen- 
tral Hotel," and the courts were held there for some four 
years. 

In 1819, the clearing and fencing (w^ith post and rail 
fence) of the public square was let to Charles Williams and 
Adam Johnston. 

In 1821 the commissioners determined to take some 
measures for building a court-house, and the auditor was 
directed to write letters to the townships touching the mat- 
ter, " as an address to the feelings of the people." Twenty- 
eight hand-bills, pressing the necessity for such a building, 
Avere ordered to be printed and posted up in the several 
tow'nships. Subscription papers were prepared, soliciting 
all sorts of building material, and in addition pork, rye, 
oats, and corn. At the next meeting of the commissioners 
it was determined to receive only money on subscription. 
At the April meeting in 1822 a plan was settled upon — a 
brick building, one story, thirty-two by forty feet, em- 
bracing a court-room and two small rooms for juries. No- 
tices inviting proposals were ordered to be printed in the 



County JButldings and Officers. 6i 

Zanesville 3Iessenger and Tuscarawas Chronicle ; the bids to 
be opened July 9, 1822. On that day the letting was post- 
poned until December, and the plan was somewhat changed. 
At the December meeting of commissioners it was con- 
cluded not to build at all unless citizens would aid by sub- 
scription, and papers were ordered to be again circulated, 
it being agreed this time to receive, as at first proposed, 
produce as well as building materials and money. The 
letting was fixed for April 18, 1823. At the April session, 
however, the plan was again changed, and it was resolved 
to have a house forty by forty feet and two stories high. 
On the day of the sale (April 18th), Peter Darnes bid 
$2,185. The commissioners were not willing to award, and 
adjourned until next day. Then the contract was given to 
Charles Williams, he being authorized and instructed to 
associate with him Peter H. Darnes, Abraham Richards, 
and Andrew Daugherty. It was substantially finished in 
1824. The contract price was $1,984. A small allowance 
was afterward made for extra work, etc. The belfry was 
completed in 1830 under the supervision of John Elliott. 
The bell, still in use on the new court-house, was purchased, 
at the request of the commissioners, by William K. John- 
son in ]834. 

The structure was sold in April, 1875, and removed by 
M. Johnston, a grand-son of the original contractor. 

It will thus be seen that the building stood for somewhat 
more than fifty years. Before it was finished a grand ball 
was given in it, and during all its history it was used for 
business, political, educational, and religious meetings, and 
was doubtless beyond anything else the theater of agents 
and operations afi:ecting and manifesting the character and 
condition of the people of Coshocton county. Like the 
men of the day in which it was built, it had a measure of 
incurable roughness and few trappings, but was thoroughly 
square and true and strong and abundantly useful. 

The matter of building a new court-house having been 
agitated for several years, was submitted to a vote of the 
people in the fall of 1872, and decided against by a very 
large majority. The following w^inter the legislature passed 



62 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

a special enaloling act,* and the matter was proceeded with 
steadily, according to the requirements of the law and of 
the case. The contract for the new building was in due 
time let to S. Harold & Co., of Beaver county, Pa. "W^'ork 
was begun in 1873. The plans had been prepared and the 
work was superintended by Carpenter & Williams, of Mead- 
ville. Pa. 

The structure was turned over to the commissioners in 
July, 1875, the county officers moving in the latter part of 
that month, and the District Court sitting therein the fol- 
lowing month. The contract price was some sixty -five 
thousand dollars. Additions, extra work, furniture, and 
appliances vastly added to that sum, and the whole cost 
ma}^ be put down at a round S100,000. On either side of 
the old court-house there were built, in 1834, county offices 
(brick), one story, about forty by thirty feet. William C. 
Blodgett was the contractor, and the contract price was 
$1,360. 

In 1849 an additional story was built on the north build- 
ing by William McFarland. In 1854 the south building 
also received an additional story, and W. 11. Eobinson and 
AV^illiam Welch were the contractors. These buildings 
were sold and removed at the same time with the old 
court-house. Just on the site of the present court-house 
stood the first jail, built of logs by Adam Johnston for 
$1,397 ; some $900 of this sum being the proceeds of sales 
of lots in south public square ; also the second jail of 
brick. The latter, with sherifl^'s house adjoining, was built 
for $2,200 by Eldridge & McGowan in 1836. The present 
jail, built of stone, and 8herifi"'s house of brick, were built 
in 1873. The whole cost of this undertaking was about 
$30,000. The contractors were M! Johnston and A. Wim- 
mer, the former being a grandson of Charles Williams, the 
contractor for the first court-house. The plan was fur- 

* On the urgent solicitation of the citizens of Coshocton, who, by 
their course in the matter, drew upon themselves the censure of many 
in the rural districts. A vigorous eflfort was made by the village of 
■Warsaw to have the new court-house built there. 



County Buildings and Officers. 63 

nished by Carpenter & Williams, of Meadville, Pa., who 
were consulting superintendents, John Dodd, of Roscoe, 
being the acting superintendent. 

The county infirmary was erected (on the farm of two 
hundred acres, two miles east of Coshocton, purchased at 
$15 per acre from W. K. Johnson & Co. in 1848) by E. Da- 
vis and others in 1849. It is a two-story brick building, 
and cost about $3,900. Subsequently an adjoining tract of 
land was bought from Henry Wheeler for $2,500, making 
the whole farm nearly four hundred acres. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

The first county commissioners, elected in April, 1811, 
were Charles Williams, James Meskimens, and Mordecai 
Chalfant. The following shows the incumbents and time of 
service in that office : 

Charles Williams 1811-13 Isaac Darling 1843-49 

Mordecai Chalfant 1811-18 Jas Ravenscraft 1844-47 

James Meskimens 1811-21 Samuel Lamberson 1845-48 

James Calder 1813-17 Alex. Matthews 1847-50 

Squire Humphrey 1817-19 George Wolf. 1848-51 

Samuel Clark 1818-29 Francis Buxton 1849-52 

Samuel Clark 1831-33 Henry Schmueser 1850-56 

Eobert Darling 1819-25 Thomas Darling 1851-54 

Eobert Boyd 1821-24 Lewis Swigert 1852-55 

John G. Pigman 1824-26 Owen Evans 1854-57 

Benjamin Ricketts 1825-28 Abraham Shafier 1855-58 

Gabriel Evans 1826-33 James E. Robinson 1856-59 

Richard Moode..... 1828-31 Wm. Doak 1857-63 

John Mitchell 1829-32 Wm. Hanlon 1858-64 

John Quigley 1832-34 Jas. M.Smith 1859-65 

Andrew Ferguson 1832-38 Thomas Darling 1863-69 

Joseph NefF. 1833-36 Joseph Keim 1864-70 

Daniel Forker 1834-43 Thomas McKee 1865-71 

Eli Fox 1836-39 Joseph S. McVey 1869-75 

Arnold Medbery 1838-44 John Taylor 1870 

Samuel Winklepleck 1839-42 Samuel Moore 1871 

J. D. Workman 1842-45 William Forney.... 1875 

COUNTY AUDITORS. 

The first clerk (now called auditor) to the commissioners 
was Thomas L. Rue, but after a few meetings he ceased to 



64 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

attend, and Adam Johnston was appointed to his place, and 
held the office until 1821. The salary at that time was forty 
dollars per year. The following persons have held that 
office since Johnston ; the dates following being the dates 
of their appointment or election : 

A. M. McGowan 1821 Wm. Himebaugh 1854 

Jos. Burns* 1824 Samuel Forker 1858 

J. W. Kuef 1838 C. H. Johnston 1862 

H. Cantwell 1848 W. R. Forker 1866 

H. Rahauser 1850 Wm. Walker 1871 

B. F. Sells 1852 Wm. Wolf. 1875 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

The following is the list of persons who have held the 
office of clerk, with the date of their appointment or elec- 
tion : 

Adam Johnston 1811 A. M. Williams 1854 

John Frew 1829 Lemuel Kinsey 1857 

A. M. McGowan 1836 Clias. K. Remick 1863 

Joseph Burns 1843 G. II. Barger 1869 

B. R. Shaw 1851 Israel Dillon 1875 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

The first treasurer of the county was Wm. "Whitten, 
holding office from 1811 to 1817. Dr. Samuel Lee succeeded 
him, and held the office until 1825. The pay of the office 
for a few years was five per cent., then three per cent, on 
moneys received, and amounted to from forty to sixty dollars 
per year prior to 1818. Dr. Lee was succeeded by James Ren- 
frew, who agreed to serve for three per cent., and obligated 
himself " not to speculate on the county's money." John 
B. Turner was treasurer for 1827 and 1828. A. M. McGowan 
for 1820 and 1830. Samuel Ilea % became treasurer in 1831. 

* Resigned. 

f Appointed, and afterward elected. 

\ Rea was a son of the well-known Rev. John Rea, of Harrison 
county. lie studied law, and was a man of ability. But lie was of too 
social a turn — fond of "good fellows" — a fine violinist, lie was 
drowned at Fry's Ford, on Walhonding river, in 1834, on his way home 
from a convivial party which had been keeping late hours. His estate 
and securities satisfied the county's claim. 



County Buildings and Officers. 65 

In December, 1832, he was removed from office and a 
suit begun against his securities for a " shortage " of 
nearly §2,000. Kobert Hay was appointed in Eea's stead, 
and held the office until 1834. Wm. G. Williams was 
elected in 1834, and held the office until 1846. Benjamin 
Bonnett succeeded him in 1846. In 1849, he left the county 
very abruptly, sending in his resignation.'*' J. W. Rue was 
appointed to complete the term of office, ending in 1850. 
Wm. P. Wheeler held the office 1850-52. Lewis Demoss 
was his successor, and served two terras, going out in 1856. 
Samuel Ketchum was treasurer from 1856 to 1859; in Oc- 
tober of the latter year, owing to the hue and cry about the 
treasury robbery,f he resigned, and Samuel Lamberson fin- 

* His cash-box was discovered to be in a very bad shape, and his se- 
curities were required by the county to respond. He is understood to 
have gone to California. 

f Ketchum was found by some persons who heard his outcry n seem- 
ingly exhausted condition in the treasvirer's office, about midnight, 
January 21. 1859. He alleged that having kept the office open to pay 
some witnesses from abroad who desired to take a late train, two men 
came in, and, throwing a shawl over his head, bound and gagged him, 
and took what moneys were in the safe, reported afterward at about 
$20,000, the larger part of it State moneys. Subsequently he confessed 
that the thing was a job, and implicated James M. Brown, from whom 
he said he had in a strait borrowed some money. They were indicted 
by the grand jury. A change of venue having been asked by Brown, 
the case was tried in Licking county, and on law points carried to the 
Supreme Court at Columbus, but in 1870 Brown was sentenced to pay 
double the amount abstracted, and spend five years at hard labor in 
the Ohio penitentiary. Ketchum plead guilty, after Brown was sen- 
tenced, and received the same sentence. While in the penitentiary, 
Ketchum failed rapidly in health, and in this view, having been j^ar- 
doned, came to his home in West Lafayette, and there died in the 
summer of 1872, a sad, penitent victim of his own folly, and possibly 
of the wiles of even more cunning and unscrupulous men. Brown 
was pardoned by Governor Allen in 1874, A considerable sum was 
realized by sale on execution of some of the property held in Coshoc- 
ton by Brown, but finding the legal complications increasing, growing 
out of claims put forward by his relations, the commissioners com- 
pi'omised on a less amount than originally assessed. The State, how- 
ever, obtained $10,000, and the county nearly the amount lost. But 
nearly or quite all that amount was expended in the legal proceedings 
connected with the case, and the treasury never got back its own. 



66 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

ished the term, and, being elected and re-elected, served 
until 1864. His successor was Samuel Burrell, 1864-68. 
Then Thos. Jones came into office, and held the place for 
two terms, 1868-72. Richard W. McLain was in the office 
from 1872-76. John Waggoner succeeded him, and is the 
present incumbent. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

The first recorder was Adam Johnson, appointed in 1811, 
and dying in 1829, Jos. Burns was put into his place, and 
held it until 1836, when Geo. "W. Price was appointed. He 
died in 1840, and Russell C. Bryan took his place 1840-46. 
The following is the succession, with date of election ; G. 
F. Cassingliam, 1846 ; John F. Williams, 1855 (resigned in 
1857, and R. M. Hackinson filled out his time) ; A. McNeal, 
1858 ; C. W. Stanford, 1861 ; L. L. Root, 1864; and M. W. 
Wimmer, 1870. 

SHERIFFS. 

C. Van Kirk 1811-15 Samuel Morrison 184o-49 

Chas. Williams 1815-19 Samuel B. Crowley 1849-53 

Chas. Miller 1819-21 Richard Lanning 1853-55 

John Smeltzer 1821-23 W. H. H. Trice 1855-57 

John Crowley 1823-27 David Rodahaver 1857-61 

T. Butler Lewis 1827-29 John Hesket 18G1-65 

John Crowley 1829-33 James Sells* 1865-68 

J. H.Hutchinson 1833-37 Thomas Piatt 186S-69 

Saml. Morrison 1837-41 Joshua H. Carr 1869-73 

Jos. C. Maginity 1841-45 John Lennon 1873 

PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. 

Wright Warner was appointed, at the September term 
of court, in 1811, for seven years, but resigned in 1814. 
Alex. Harper was then appointed, and continued until 
1823, when, having been elected judge, he was succeeded 
by Chas. B. Goddard, who served until 1827. W. Sillimau, 
David Spangler, and Richard Stillwell served for terms of 
court until 1830 (March term), when Noah H. Swayne was 

* Sells left the county very abruptly, and his bondsmen had certain 
claims 'to satisfy. Piatt succeeded him by virtue of being at the time 
coroner of the county. 



County Buildings and Officers. 67 

appointed for a full term. But in 1833, Josephus Ricketts 
having been elected, came into office. He resigned in 1834, 
and G. W. Silliman was appointed and afterward elected 
in 1835, and his health failing in 1841, the latter part of his 
term was filled out by T. S. Humrickhouse by appoint- 
ment. In 1843, and also in 1845, Thomas Cami:)bell was 
elected. Then the succession was Wm. Sample in 1849; 
John T. Simmons in 1851 and 1853; John D. Mcholas in 
1855 ; and Charles Hoy in 1857 and 1859. Hoy, in 1860 
resigned, and Thomas Campbell finished his term. In 1860, 
Richard Lanning was elected, but in the second year of his 
service resigned his office to take that of Major in the army, 
and Thomas Campbell filled out his term. In 1862, Asa G. 
Dimmock was elected, and again in 1864 and 1866. His 
health having failed, and he having resigned and removed 
in the spring of 1868, R. M. Voorhes was appointed to com- 
plete his term, and having been elected in the fall of 1868, 
and also in 1870, continued in the office until it was taken 
by the present incumbent, Wm. S. Crowell, who was elected 
in 1872. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

The first county surveyor was "Wm. Lockard, appointed 
in 1812. He served until 1817, when James Havens- 
craft became surveyor. He resigned in 1819, and Wm. 
Coulter was appointed until 1824. Wm. G. Williams then 
came into office, and served till 1830. Jas. Ravenscraft was 
in the office from 1830 to 1836. Then came John M. 
Sweney, and then John M. Fulks. Henry Seevers was Fulks' 
successor, and served until 1852, when Lemuel Kinsey Avas 
elected. C. W. McMorris was elected in 1855 ; R. L. Baker 
in 1858; T. P. Latham in 1861 ; he having resigned, Levi 
Gamble was appointed in 1864, and then elected in 1865 
and 1868. John A. Hanlon was elected in 1871, and Geo. 
Miller in 1874, being in office at this writing. 

CORONERS.* 

The following persons have held the office of coroner, 
viz. :, David Bookless, Geo. Leighninger, James Ravens- 

* The list is not complete as to the earlier ones. 



68 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

craft, Abraham Sells, Benj. Coe, Thomas McAnnally, Ad- 
dison Syphert, James T. McCleary, Jos. Hitcliens, Wm. 
Jeftries, Thomas Piatt, Nicholas Schott, and John Kicheson. 

INFIRMARY DIRECTORS. 

The following have served the county as inlirmary direc- 
tors : Lewis Row, Jas. Jones, Henry Wheeler, Isaac W. 
Miller, John M. Johnson, Stephen D. Sayer, Thomas 
Dwyer, D. E. Laughlin, Geo. McCune, J. C. Frederick, 
Wm. Simons, James McBriar, John Chambers, Nathan 
Buckalew, John Hawley, Wm. McCoy, C. F. Sangster, 
Samuel Gardiner, and Thomas Wigixins. 



Connection with State and National Affairs. 69 



CHAPTER IX. 

CONNECTION 'mXH STATE AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 
STATE SENATORS. 

For some years after its organization, Coshocton county 
was combined with Guernsey and Tuscarawas in a state 
senatorial district. From 1820 to 1830, the district was 
made up of Coshocton and Tuscarawas, and after 1824, 
Holmes, w^iich was in that year organized. Still later, 
Knox and Coshocton made the district. Since 1850, Coshoc- 
ton and Tuscarawas have formed the district. 

The first citizen of Coshocton elected state senator was 
Wilson McGowan, serving 1821-22. Samuel Lee was sena- 
tor, 1826-27; Charles Miller, 1828-29; James, Ravens- 
craft, 1834-36 ; James Matthews, 1838-39 ; John Johnson, 
1842-43 ; F. W. Thornhill, 1845-46 ; Andrew Ferguson, 
1850-51; Wm. Heslip, 1854-55; A. L. Cass, 1858-59; 
Wm. Stanton, 1864-65; James M. Burt, 1866-67, also 
1870-71 ; John C. Fisher, 1874-75. 

REPRESENTATIVES. 

The representative was elected, until 1820, by Tuscara- 
was and Coshocton. Occasionally, at a much later day, to 
make the proportionate representation, Coshocton would 
elect a representative, and then Coshocton and Knox or 
Guernsey together, would have an additional representa- 
tive. 

In 1814, Charles Williams was elected representative by 
Tuscarawas and Coshocton ; in 1816 and also in 1818-20, and 
1823, Joseph W. Pigman was chosen ; in 1817, Squire Hum- 
phrey. In 1820, Coshocton itself became a representative 
district, and James Robinson was the representative, 1820-21, 
also 1824; Charles Williams, 1825 ; John Smeltzer, 1827-28; 
N. H. Swayne, 1829; James Robinson, 1830; Charles W. 
Simmons, 1831; James Matthews, 1832; John Crowley, 



70 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

1833-34-35; Samuel Whitmore, 1836; James Matthews 
and F. W. Thornlnll, 1837 ; Joseph Burns, 1838-40 ; Jesse 
Meredith, 1841-42; Geo. A. McCleary, 1843; Jesse Mere- 
dith, 1844; Heslip Williams, 1844-45;* Joseph Williams, 
1846-47; James M. Burt, 1848-49; Timothy C. Condit, 
1850-52; Geo. McKee, 1852-54; John Pierson, 1854-56; 
Patrick Thompson, 1856-58; C. F. Sangster, 1858-60; 
James Gamble and J. N". Fellows, 1860-62; Andrew J. 
Wilkin, 1862-64 ; F. W. Thornhill, 1864-70 ;t John Baker, 
1870-72 ; B. C. Blackburn, 1872-74 ; John Baker, 1874-76; 
E. L. Lybarger, 1876. 

In 1812, Coshocton county gave Return J. Meigs, can- 
didate for governor, 65 votes ; and to Thomas Scott, opposing 
candidate, 21 votes. In 1814, 248 votes were cast for 
Thomas Worthington, and one for his opponent. In 1824, 
Jeremiah Morrow received 634 votes, and Allen Trimble 
531 votes, for governor. In 1834, Robert Lucas got 885, 
and John Findloy, 705 votes. In 1844, Mordecai Bartley 
got 1,749, and David Todd, 2,156 votes. In 1855, William 
Medill got 2,007, and Salmon P. Chase, 2,064. In 1865, 
J. D. Cox got 1,979, and G. W. Morgan, 2,374. In 1875, 
R. B. Hayes got 2,321 ; and Wm. Allen, 2,913. 

In the state constitutional convention of 1851, Coshoc- 
ton county was represented by John Johnson ; and in that 
of 1874, by Wm. Sample, Esq. The opposing candidates 
were Captain J. M. Love and E. T. Spangler, Esq. 

James M. Burt represented the Coshocton and Tuscara- 
was district in the state board of equalization in 1860. 

James Gamble was chosen a member of the board of 
public works in October, 1862 — entering upon his duties 
in February, 1863. He died in March, 1864, and James 
Moore was appointed by the governor to fill the vacancy 
in April, 1864. He was elected in October, 1866, and held 
thus the legal term of three years.| 

*Dr. Williams is reported as the author of the famous "Liquor 
Law," passed by that Legislature, 
f Speaker of the house, session of 1868-69. 
X Removed to Indianapolis in 1875. 



Connection with State and National Affairs. 71 

John C. Fisher was appointed a member of the Fish 
commission in 1875 by Governor Allen. 

CONGRESSMEN. 

Coshocton county has furnished four congressmen to 
represent the district of which it has formed a part, under 
the decennial apportionments. David Spangler, Esq., was 
the first of these — elected by Coshocton, Holmes, Knox, 
and Tuscarawas counties. He was re-elected — thus serving 
from 1833-37. The next was James Matthews, Esq., also 
serving two terms, 1841-45. John Johnson was the con- 
gressman, 1851-53 ; and Joseph Burns, 1857-59. Since 
1870 the district hasbeen composed of Coshocton, Lick- 
ing, Muskingum, and Tuscarawas counties. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

J. W. Dwyer was for some time (in Delano's adminis- 
tration of internal revenue affairs) supervisor of internal 
revenue for the northern district of Ohio, with office at 
Coshocton. He was, at a later date, pension agent, with 
office at Columbus. W. A. Johnson served, for several 
years, as deputy United States Internal revenue assessor; 
and John Frew and James Dryden, and Dr. S. H. Lee as 
deputy collectors. 

U. S. POSTMASTERS AT THE CAPITAL OF THE COUNTY. 

Adam Johnson, 1811-29; postoffice on Water street: 
Wilson McGrowan, 1829-30; postoffice on Third street: 
Wm. K. Johnson, 1830-45 ; postoffice on Second street : 
C. H, Johnson; on Water street: R. F. Baker; on Second 
street: Samuel Rich, 1853-54; on Chestnut street; H.N. 
Shaw, 1854-61 ; on Second street : Asa L. Harris, 1861-64; 
on Second street : A. H. Fritche}'-, part of 1864; on Second 
street: W. A. Johnson, 1864-65 ; on Second street; R. M. 
Voorhees, 1865-68; on Main street one month, then back on 
Second St. : T.W.Collier, 1869; Main street, corner of Fourth; 
between Third and Fourth ; between Fifth and Sixth. "^ 

* In the " Opera House," erected by J. Heskett, A. Miller, and John 
Timmons, in 1873-74. Size, 44 by 100; cost said to be $25,000. 



72 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 



CHAPTER X. 

THE COURTS AND THK BAR. 

The first term of tlie Court of Common Pleas for Coshoc- 
ton county was held on the 1st day of April, 1811. By the 
legislature the county was placed in the judicial district 
over which Hon. "William Wilson, of Licking county, was 
president judge. "William Mitchell, Peter Casey, and Isaac 
Evans, three substantial citizens of the county, were also 
designated as associate judges. The court sat in the parlor 
of Colonel Charles Williams' hotel, as elsewhere stated. 
Some choice hickory-wood had been cut for the occasion, 
and "mine host" was doubtless in his best humor, feeling 
the importance of the occasion and his own importance as 
one of the head men of the new county and the host of the 
court. It is said new hunting-shirts were plenty in town 
that day. It must, however, have somewhat diminished 
the glory of the occasion that the president judge did not 
put in an appearance. The three associates were on hand, 
and the court "sat" with becoming gravity. Cornelius 
Van Kirk was sherifl', and the court appointed Adam John- 
ston clerk for the term. Johnston was also appointed re- 
corder for the term of seven years, and the only other busi- 
ness transacted at that term was the ordering of elections 
for justices of the peaee for the townships of Tuscarawas, 
Washington, and New Castle, one each, and for Franklin 
two. The legislature had provided for three terms of court 
for that year, as was done for many years thereafter. The 
second term was held in September. At that Judge Wilson 
was present, as also the three associates already named. The 
full-blown dignity of the court was then attained. Thomas 
L. Rue was appointed clerk ino tem. A grand jury was 
sworn, consisting of the following persons, viz : James 
Turner, James Craig, Benjamin Fry, Samuel Clark, Samuel 
llurdesty, John Harrison, Isaac Workman, Charles Miller, 
Michael Miller, Windle Miller, Ilenry Miller, Philip Wag- 



The Courts and the Bar. 73 

goner, Francis McGuire, and John Mills. The jury re- 
ported " no business." The docket showed three cases. In 
two the writs were quashed, and the other case was " contin- 
ued." At the December term the judges were again all pres- 
ent, and business began to grow more lively. Adam John- 
ston was appointed clerk for seven years. Elections for 
two more justices of the peace were ordered for Tuscarawas 
township and one for Oxford. The most important case 
tried was that of Charles Williams against Adam Markley ; 
verdict, nine dollars and sixty cents damages for plaintiff. 
Lewis Cass (afterward so prominent even in ITational af- 
fairs) was Williams' attorney. 

The legislature had provided that no term of the court 
should extend beyond twelve " working days." For the 
first few years actually from one to five days were occupied. 
The cases were largely criminal, and especially relating to 
crimes against the person, assault and battery and slander 
abounding. The sums involved in civil suits seem insignifi- 
cant in these days. Pretty large figures were, however, 
sometimes put upon the records, as, for instance, when a 
decree was, without resistance, taken requiring Matthias 
Denman * to execute a certain conveyance on penalty of 
having to pay $30,000. Among the curiosities as now re- 
garded of the criminal proceedings of the early days is the 
sentence passed at the December term in 1814 upon one 
Zeba French, convicted of passing a counterfeit note of the 
" Miami Exporting Company," viz., that he should be tied 
to the public whipping-post and receive thirty-nine lashes 
upon his bare back ; also be fined twenty dollars and costs, 
and be imprisoned thirty days in the county jail. The two 
" unpardonable sins" with the early settlers of most coun- 
tries have been passing counterfeit money and stealing 
horses. 

Judge Wilson continued as president judge until 1822, 
when he was succeeded by Alexander Harper, of Zanes- 

*He was the grand-father of A. D. and Martin Denman, living in 
Springfield, N. J., and at that time a very large landholder in Coshoc- 
ton county. 



74 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

ville.* lie served two terms, and was succeeded in April, 
1836, by C. W. Searl, also of Zanesville. Richard Stillwell, 
of Zanesville, was the next president judge. Owing to ill 
health he was not able to attend for several terms of court 
in Coshocton. About the end of his term of office Coshoc- 
ton county was placed in another district, and James Stew- 
art, of Mansfield, became president judge. He was present 
at only a few terms of the court before the change was 
made under the new constitution. The first judge to sit at 
Coshocton under that instrument was Martin Welker, then 
of Holmes county, now judge of the United States District 
Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Having served 
one term of five years, Judge Welker was succeeded in 1857 
by William Sample, of Coshocton. He served for nearly 
two terms — ten years — (C. F. Downing, of Wayue county, 
serving two months in consequence of Sample's resigna- 
tion), and was succeeded in 1867 by William Reed, of 
Holmes county, the present incumbent. 

Under the old constitution three citizens were designated 
by the legislature to occupy the bench as associate judges. 
Their terms of office were the same as those of the presi- 
dent judges, viz., seven years. The following citizens 
served in that capacity : Isaac Evans, William Mitchell, 
Peter Casey, Lewis Yail, Joseph W. Pigman, Thomas 
Johnson, Benjamin Robinson, Mordecai Chalfunt, John 
Mitchell, James Robinson, John Crawford, James Le Re- 
till ey, Robert Crawford, Benjamin R. Shaw, Samuel Elliott, 
Josiah Harris, and James M. Burt. Messrs. Casey, John- 
son, John Crawford, and Le Retilley were reappointed. 
John Mitchell served for a brief time, filling a vacancy. 
Messrs. Harris and Burt served onl}' a few months, having 
been inducted just before the adoption of the new constitu- 
tion, by which the office was abolished. B, R. Sbaw now 
resides in Knox county. Messrs. Harris and Burt are still 
in the county. The others are all dead, and their sepul- 

* IIjiri)er had frequently visited Coshocton as a lawyer, and for several 
years had acted as prosecuting attorney for Coshocton county. He 
was exceedingly jiopular with the bar and also with the citizens. A. 
H. Spangler and A. H. Fritchey are witnesses — by their names — for 
this appreciation by both classes. 



The Courts and the Bar. 75 



chers, except that of Peter Casey, who was buried in what 
is now Holmes county, are with us to this day. For the 
times and their work, it is claimed that these gentlemen 
w^ere, almost without exception, well chosen. It has been 
insisted by some of the ablest lawyers that the associate 
judge courts oftentimes correctly accomplished an amount 
of business not always attained under the present system. 

There was little claim, by or for these associate judges, of 
any special knowledge of the law, and the system under 
which they served came in time to be regarded as a sort of 
w^agon with live wheels — a third estate between the judge 
proper and the jury, and not demanded in settling either the 
law or the facts. One of the commonest jokes of their 
day Avas that telling of the man who declared that it was 
terrible to be brought before a court of a thousand men — 
the president judge being one (1), and the three associates 
the three ciphers (000). 

Under the old Constitution, a term of the Supreme Court 
of the State was to be holden in each county. In pursu-, 
ance of this order, the first term of that court was held in 
Coshocton in 1814, and every year (except one) thereafter 
until 1851. The judges who were first detailed were W. 
W. Irwin and Ethan Allen Brown. Afterward came P. 
Hitchcock, Jacob Burnet, John C. Wright, Charles R. 
Shernan, Rufus P. Spaldiug, and others — indeed, most of 
the judges of the Supreme Court. 

Under the Constitution of 1851, a District Court was 
provided for, and has annually sat in Coshocton. For 
some years one of the three judges required for this court 
must be of the Supreme Bench, but under a more recent 
law the court is made up of the Common Pleas judges of 
the district. 

The Probate Court having special relation to social con- 
ditions and primary cognizance of all forms of disposal of 
property, whether by assignment, testament, or ordinary 
rule of inheritance, together with concurrent jurisdiction 
in certain matters of criminal sort, was organized under the 
Constitution of 1851. It is in daily (week day) session for 
some kinds of business, while for criminal and some other 
matters terms are appointed. The first judge of this 



76 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

court was Thomas Campbell, Esq., of Coshocton, who came 
into office in 1852, and served (the prescribed term) until 
1855. C. S. Barnes, of Bedford township, was the next in- 
cumbent. Then John T. Simmons, Esq., of Coshocton, 
served two terms, 1858 to 1864. M. C. McFarland, Esq., 
of Coshocton, served from 1864 to 1870. 

Joseph Burns, of Coshocton, was the next judge, taking 
the office in 1870. He died in May, 1875, and Governor 
Allen appointed F. AV. Thornhill, of Coshocton, to serve 
until the fall election, and at that he was elected to fill out 
Burns' unexpired term. Alex. Hanlon, of Mill Creek 
township, at the same time was elected for the full term, 
and is the present incumbent. 

THE BAR. 

"Wright "Warner was the first lawyer resident in Coshoc- 
ton, coming to the place in the spring of 1811. At the 
September term of the court in that year, he was appointed 
prosecuting attorney for the county. In a little time he 
incurred the displeasure of Colonel Williams, and there 
was a rencounter, followed by several lawsuits for assault 
and battery, slander, etc., and in 1814 he left the place, re- 
moving to New Philadelphia, where, for a number of years, 
he was in practice, serving also as prosecuting attorney of 
Tuscarawas county. Nearly cotemporaueous with him was 
Aaron M. Church — a New Englander and protege of Dr. 
S. Lee. He died very suddenly with the " cold plague " in 
1815. Neither the amount of business done by these gen- 
tlemen ("Warner received sixty-five dollars for his year's 
service as prosecuting attorney, and Church left property 
valued at forty-five dollars), nor their experience was very 
encouraging to other lawyers to settle in the place. In- 
deed, for several years the little legal business done seems 
to have been attended unto by " foreign lawyers," chiefly 
from Zanesville, such as Lewis Cass, Alexander Harper, 
"Wyllis Silliman, E. B. Munroe, S. "W. Culbertson, and 
Ebenezer Granger.* The next resident lawyer seems to 

*One lawyer set up in 1819, but the jioor fellow was driven, by dull 
times, to picking up a little in a merchant's store, and soon "lit out." 
He may have done better in later years, and so his name is withheld. 



The Courts and the Bar. 77 

have been Wm. G. Carliart, iu practice about 1821. His 
practice does not seem to have absorbed his time, and other 
matters increasingly received his attention. He was of the 
Carhart family, still well represented in the county. He 
was born near the mouth of Little Miami river ; studied 
law in Louisville, Kentucky ; came to Coshocton county in 
1821 ; was a partner in a store, in a tannery, in the " Union 
Flouring Mill ;" went to California, and is now living in 
Ottumwa, Iowa. 

About 1825, Samuel Rea commenced practice. He was 
from Harrison county ; was elected county treasurer ; con- 
tinued to practice more or less until his death, which oc- 
curred (by drowning, as detailed under head of county offi- 
cers,) in 1834. The next resident lawyer was Noah H. 
Swayne, coming primarily from Virginia, but directly from 
Belmont county, in 1827. He was prosecuting attorney 
for several years; in 1832 removed to Columbus, and is 
now on the bench of the United States Supreme Court, in 
"Washington, D. C. 

James Matthews, born in Columbiana county, read law 
with Hon. H. H. Leavitt, of Steubenville ; came to Coshoc- 
ton in 1829 ; was in the Legislature and iu Congress ; re- 
moved to Knoxville, Iowa, in 1855. 

Geo. "Willys Silliman, native of Muskingum county, ed- 
ucated at Ohio University and at West Point Military 
Academy; studied law and w^as admitted at Zanesville; 
came to Coshocton about 1830. Soon went to Spain as 
bearer of dispatches from United States government to C. P. 
Van Ness ; returned to Coshocton in 1833 ; served several 
years as prosecuting attorney, holding the office till his 
death. Went to Europe in summer of 1843, and died at 
sea on the return voyage.* 

The lawyer next becoming a resident was David Spangler. 
He was born in Sharpsburg, Maryland ; came to Muskingum 
county in 1802 ; studied with Alexander Harper ; admitted 
in 1824 ; came to Coshocton in 1832 ; was two terms 
(1834-38) in Congress ; died in 1856.* 

*See " Biographical Sketches " in this volume. 



78 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

T. S. Humrickhouse, born in Fayette county, Pennsyl- 
vania ; graduated at Washington College ; studied la\v with 
T. M. T. McKennan, of Washington, being admitted in 
1832. In November of that year came to Coshocton ; 
abiding a year to acquire citizenship, was admitted at Lan- 
caster in 1833 ; served a few terms of court as prosecuting 
attorney for G. W. Silliman ; disabled by accident in 1847, 
and soon gave up practice ; now in the nursery and sheep 
business. 

Josephus Ricketts, born in Muskingum county; read 
with N. n. Swayne ; succeeded him as prosecuting attorney; 
resigned, and soon gave up practice ; removed to Millers- 
burg and went into real estate operations ; now in Toledo. 

Thomas Campbell, born in Jefferson county (Steuben- 
ville) ; came with his father's family to Adams township, 
Coshocton county, in 1831; studied at Franklin College ; 
came to the town of Coshocton in 1835 ; taught school and 
read law with James Matthews ; commenced practice in 
1841 ; has been prosecuting attorney and probate judge. 

Thomas W. Flagg w^as born in Rochester, New York ; 
came to Coshocton in 1838; commenced practice in 1840; 
gave up practice and Avas chiefly engaged in newspaper 
work ; died May 16, 1863. 

J. M. Love, from Virginia, was engaged in engineer's 
department on the Muskingum improvement ; read law in 
Zanesville ; came to Coshocton in 1842 ; was in military 
service (Mexican war), 1846-7; removed in fall of 1851 to 
Iowa; now judge of United States District Court. 

Lewis Lewton, practiced from 1842 to 1845 ; removed to 
Cadiz, Ohio. 

Wm. Sample, born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania ; 
studied law in Steubenville with Oliver C. Gray ; admitted 
March 3, 1843; came to 'Coshocton November, 1845 ; w^as 
prosecuting attorney one term (two years) ; elected judge 
of Court of Common Pleas, 1856, and served two terms 
(ten years) ; in 1806 removed to Wooster, and subsequently 
to Newark, returning to Coshocton in 1873. 

A. R. Ililyer, born in Essex county. New Jersey ; came 
to Coshocton in 1837 ; clerked, taught school, studied law, 



The Courts and the Bar. 79 

and was admitted in 1847 ; was editor of" Coshocton Age" 
for two years ; removed to Iowa ; now publishing a paper. 

James Irvine, born in Wayne county ; studied law with 
Sapp & Welker, of Millersburg, and admitted there in 
1846 ; went to Mexican war in 1847 ; came to Coshocton 
in 1849 ; taught school and posted up, and in 1850 went 
into partnership with J. S. Love ; was in military service 
in late war in 1861, and also 1863-65.' 

John C. Tidball, born in (now) Lawrence county, Penn- 
sylvania ; graduated at Jefferson college ; labored as a 
Presbyterian minister some seventeen years at Island creek, 
Jefierson county, and at Morriston, Belmont county ; stud- 
ied law with C. C. Carroll, of Belmont county, and was 
admitted in 1843; came to Coshocton in 1848; died in 
1868.* 

John T. Simmons, a native of Maryland, resided for a 
time in Belmont county ; came to Bedford township, Cosh- 
octon county, 1842 ; taught school and farmed, being the 
champion tobacco raiser of the county ; studied under 
"Wm. Sample, and was admitted in 1850 ; was prosecuting 
attorney tAvo terms, also probate judge two ; prompted by 
tastes, and driven by necessities of family, turned to farm- 
ing for a few years during the war. 

B. S. Lee, born in Geuessee county, ]!^. Y., September 12, 
1812; came to the county (Newcastle township), in 1838; 
studied with William Sample ; admitted September 26, 
1850; moved to Coshocton about 1859; died August 2, 
1874. 

C. C. Leonard, from Knox county ; practiced a few years, 
part of the time in partnership with J. D. Nicholas, about 
1855 ; removed in 1857 to Illinois, and was, a few years later, 
killed by being run over by a locomotive. 

E. T. Spangler, born in Muskingum county ; was brought 
to Coshocton when one year old ; graduated at Kenyon 
College ; studied with father (David Spangler), and admit- 
ted in 1853 ; by United States Supreme Court at Washing- 
ton in 1860. 

* See " Biographical Sketches." 



8o Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

A. PI. Spangler, born in Coshocton county ; graduated at 
Kenyou ; studied law with father (David), and admitted in 
1853 ; practiced a few years ; gave attention to other mat- 
ters ; now in banking business at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

John E. Irvine (brother of James), admitted in 1853 ; 
went to Mississippi to teach ; returned to Coshocton in 
1859, and in 1866 removed to Monmouth, 111., where he 
continued to practice until his death. 

A. M. Williams, born in Culpeper county, Va. ; came to 
Coshocton county November, 1833 ; was a " forty-niner " 
in California ; studied with Matthews and Stone ; admitted 
in 1853 ; clerk of court in 1855-58 ; gave up practice in 
1867 ; since connected with Coshocton Planing Mill Com- 
pany. 

John D. Nicholas, born in Howard count}- , Md. ; read 
law under direction of William Sample ; admitted in 1854 ; 
was in military service some time in 1861 and again in 
1864-65 ; was prosecuting attorney one term. 

J. C. Pomerene, born in Holmes county ; studied under 
William Reed, of Millersburg, graduating at " Ohio State 
and Union Law College ;" admitted in 1859, and came that 
year to Coshocton. 

R. M. Voorhees, born in Harrison county ; studied law 
with Barcroft and Voorhees, of Millersburg; admitted 
July 6, 1860 ; came same month to Coshocton, and went 
into partnership with Thomas Campbell ; was in military 
service in 1861-65 ; spent the summer of 1866 at Independ- 
ence, Mo. ; was post-master at Coshocton in 1866-67 ; pros- 
ecuting attorney 1868-1872; admitted to United States 
District Court at Cleveland in 1875. 

Gilbert H. Barger, born in Coshocton county ; studied 
with B. S. Lee ; graduated at Cleveland Law School in 
1861 ; commenced practice in 1862 ; same year went into 
army ; returned to practice in 1868 ; served as clerk of 
court from 1870 to 1876. 

L. L. Cantwell, native of Coshocton ; studied law under 
Charles Hoy, being admitted by Supreme Court January 9, 
1867 ; has been justice of the peace ever since; served two 
terms as mayor of Coshocton. 



The Courts and the Bar. 



E. W. James, born in Coshocton county ; studied with 
Nicholas and Williams ; graduated at Law School of Mich- 
igan University ; admitted in 1867 ; spent a few months in 
practice at Kansas City, Mo. 

J. M. Compton, a native of Coshocton county; studied 
with Lee and Pomerene ; admitted in 1869; has been mayor 
of Coshocton two terms. 

A. H. Stillwell, born in Holmes county ; studied with C. 
FoUett, of Newark; admitted in 1874; practiced for a 
time in Muskingum county ; came to Coshocton Decem- 
ber, 1874. 

W. li. Gault, native of Coshocton county ; graduated at 
Wittenberg College ; studied profession with Nicholas and 
Jones; admitted July 20, 1875. 

T. H. Ricketts, native of Tuscarawas county ; studied 
with A. Neeley, of New Philadelphia ; graduated at Albany 
(N. y.) Law School ; practiced in Iowa and in Chicago, 
111. ; was recognized as an attorney by District Court at 
Coshocton in July, 1876. 

A. E. Creighton, of Coshocton county ; studied at Woos- 
ter University ; read law with William Sample, of Coshoc- 
ton ; was admitted by District Court July, 1876. 

A. J. Wilkin, from Washington county, Pa. ; was an ad- 
mitted attorney in 1856, but soon turned to other avoca- 
tions ; was in legislature ; now resides in New Comerstown. 

Asa G. Dimmock and Pichard Laning were about the 
same time recognized attornies. Each was prosecuting at- 
torney, but not otherwise much concerned with court prac- 
tice. 

Josiah Given, from Holmes county, entered upon practice 
in Coshocton county in 1857 ; he gave up practice to enter 
the army in 1861 ; removed to Iowa, where his name now 
floats at the head of a county paper as its candidate for 
next president. 

William Humrickhouse studied with his brother Thomas, 
and was admitted in 1853, but soon found more congenial 
employment ; now merchandising. 

W. N. Cochran, a native of the county ; studied his pro- 
fession at Newark ; practiced a few months of 1874-75 ; 



82 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

he gave up practice to become a partner (finaucial and legal 
man) in an extensive live-stock dealing firm in Pittsburg, 
Pa., where he now resides. 

B. F. Church, having read law with Leonard and Nicho- 
las, practiced at the Coshocton bar, residing in Monroe 
township from 1857 to 1875; he removed in the latter year 
to Holmes county. 

Charles Hoy, from Ashland county, was admitted to the 
bar in 1853, and has practiced most of the time since. 

W. C. Mayhugh, of Jacobsport, is an admitted attorney, 
but not in practice. 

/ Robert Beer studied law in his home county (Ashland), 

/and having studied further at Coshocton, was admitted by 

^ District Court in 1853 ; in 1857 he entered upon the study 

/ of theology, and is now pastor of the Presbyterian church 

Iv^in'^Yalparaiso, Ind. 

I. V. Heslip, M. C. McFarland and L. F. Horton, were 
also recognized attorneys at the Coshocton bar, but not in 
practice. 

Under the old state constitution a specific tax from two 
dollars and fifty cents to five dollars per year was assessed 
on each practicing attorney by the county commissioners. 



Agricultural Notes^ etc. 83 



CHAPTER XI. 

AGRICULTURAL NOTES — COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY — FAIRS, ETC. 

The agricultural interests of Coshocton county have in 
all its history vastly exceeded all others in the amount in- 
vested and the revenue derived. Manufactures, mines, and 
commerce never have, even combined, borne any imposing 
proportion to agriculture. There are in the county some- 
thing more than three hundred and fifty thousand' acres of 
land, and it is estimated that with the exception of some 
fifty thousand* all have been productive of crops, of fruit, 
or pasturage. 

The number of cultivators of the soil probably reached 
its limit about 1850 ; since which time, there has been little 
increase in the number of acres tilled. From the outset 
among the crops raised " corn " has been " king." More 
acres of it have been planted, and more bushels gathered, 
than of anything else. In 1857, when the cultivation of 
this crop reached its maximum, when there was much dis- 
couragement in relation to the growing of wheat in conse- 
quence of the pests to which it had been for a succession of 
years subjected, and when the sheep interest had not yet 
become so great, there were more than a million and a half 
bushels of corn raised. 

The wheat crojD has always in Coshocton county ranked 
next to corn in amount and value. The period of its most 
successful cultivation may be set down at from 1835 to 
1850. The largest crop ever secured was in 1846. The 
roads to the canal- warehouses and mills were often studded 
thickly for many rods with wagons waiting their turn to 
unload. In 1850, there was a larger acreage than in 1846, 
but the yield was not so great. In 1862, a half a million of 
bushels was reported as the yield. About 1850, the Hessian 
fly made its appearance ; it was succeeded by the weevil ; 

* Taken up mainly by roads, rivers, canals, etc. 



84 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

then there was serious trouble about winter freezing, and for 
twenty years this interest was much depressed. About 1870, 
farmers began to take good heart again, and in 1874 there was 
a magnificent crop. The crop of 1875 was very seriously 
aft'ected by an unusually rainy season just at the harvest 
time. In earlier and better days the average yield was 
quite up to eighteen or twenty bushels per acre, but in late 
years thirteen to fifteen is regarded as good. In the days 
of high prices, three dollars and twenty-five cents per 
bushel was paid for good wheat — the lowest price now 
within the memory of men hereabouts was twenty-five 
cents. 

Rye was more cultivated in earlier days than now, but 
was never a very big item in Coshocton county. In 1867, 
the largest acreage for a number of years was put in, viz. : 
Four thousand seven hundred acres. 

In 1862, the barley crop was reported at three thousand 
bushels, and has never been much above that. 

Flax in early days received considerable attention. Dur- 
ing the war (1861-5), when cotton goods got so high, re- 
newed interest was manifested in this crop. In 1862, there 
were sixty acres of it planted. 

Broom-corn has never been much cultivated in the 
county. 

Sorffhum was a considerable item in war times. Three 
hundred and eighty-five acres of it were grown in 1862, 
and more still later. 

From 1820 to 1835, maple-sugar and syrup were " big 
things." Even as late as 1865, there were reported as pro- 
duced in the county four thousand pounds of the sugar, 
and three thousand gallons of syrup. 

In a good season, forty thousand bushels of Irish potatoes 
are produced in the county. The Colorado beetle, in 1872-5, 
afiected the yield, but not so largely as they increased the 
labor in caring for the crop. 

In 1868, an average season, thirty thousand tons of hay 
were produced. 

The average amount of butter annually made in the 



Agricultural Notes ^ etc. 85 

county for the last twenty years has been about half a mil- 
lion pounds. 

There have been several efforts in the cheesery line, but 
they have not been long persisted in, nor very satisfactory. 
The most notable cheese factory was one set up, about 1866, 
in Clark township. The farmers became tired of the con- 
stant and regular effort in the matter of furnishing the 
milk, and competition was heavy, and the factory, after 
running seven or eight years, was closed. 

A considerable amount of tobacco has been raised in 
Coshocton county. More than forty years ago there was 
the " tobacco fever." The farmers all went to raising it ; 
the supply exceeded the demand, and there was considerable 
disgust. In 1858, there were only two and one-half acres 
raised. During the war, there was a temporary extension 
of this interest, but not a very wide one. 

SHEEP. 

The first Merino sheep of thorough blood brought into 
this county were bought by old Major Robinson and Major 
Simmons, from old Seth Adams, who, as partner or agent of 
General Humphries, brought to the Muskingum valley some 
of General Humphries' importation from Spain, and had 
them in Muskingum county, near Dresden, as early as 1812. 
They were not cared for, and no trace is left of them. 
Fine-wooled sheep, of uncertain and mixed blood, were 
gradually introduced by farmers from eastern counties, and 
from the Pan Handle and Western Pennsylvania, between 
1830 and 1836 or 1837, when Beaver & Bowman brought 
out from Washington county, Pennsylvania, about two 
thousand, and placed them on Bowman's section, adjoining 
Coshocton. This movement proved a failure, most of the 
sheep dying the next spring, and the remainder being dis- 
posed of and scattered so as to leave no trace. 

About 1842, S, T. Thompson and one or two of his 
neighbors brought from Washington county, Pennsylvania, 
a few sheep, and founded flocks. These were the first really 
good Merinos that have left their mark, and still exist. 

Wm. Renfrew, Sr., soon after brought out from the same 



86 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

county flocks a few good black-tops and a few lighter- 
colored, which he bred separately, and the descendants of 
which still remain. 

In 1846, or thereabouts, "Wm. Batchelor and George 
Wolf brought out a few sheep obtained from General Har- 
mon in the State of [N'ew York ; they were selected by Mr. 
Batchelor, and, compared with what were here before, were 
heavier-wooled and stronger sheep. They did well. 

In 1850, Howe & Batchelor brought out from Vermont 
a French ram, of thorough Merino blood, which had been im- 
ported from France by S. "W. Jewett, from the goyernment 
flock at liambouillet. After trial, they rejected him, and 
disposed of his increase. They then, in connection with 
T. S. Humrickhouse, brought out some thirty head of 
Humphries' Atwood sheep, obtained from Edwin Ham- 
mond, of Addison county, Vermont. These are the kind 
now recognized on all hands as the best, and improving all 
other fine-wooled sheep. They haye been added to from 
time to time by Mr. Batchelor and others. 

In 1834, Isaac Maynard emigrated from England, and 
settled in this county. He brought with him a small flock 
of South Downs and a few Lincolnshires. The Lincoln- 
shires were entirely lost, and most of the South Downs. In 
1842 or thereabouts, TVm. Henderson, Dr. Edmund Cone, 
and James Meskimens furnished old Mr. Bache with money 
to go to England, and bring back with him some sheep. 
He brought back quite a number of Ellman South Downs 
and a few Leicestershires, or, as sometimes called, Dishleys 
or Bakewells, which were divided among the owners. The 
Leicestershires soon disappeared, but the South Downs are 
the source of most of the South Downs now in the county. 
They have been added to by Bluck and others, who pur- 
chased rams at dift'erent times from various sources. The 
Cotswolds have been of late tried by various parties — those 
of Judge Thornhill, Wm. Hanlon, Robert Moore, and J. 
W. Dwyer having attracted much attention and commenda- 
tion. 

In the times of high prices during the war, one dollar 
and Ave cents per pound was paid for a few choice fleeces. 



Agricultural Notes^ etc. 87 

Many were sold at one dollar per pound — one fleece brought 
twenty-two dollars and fifty cents. When prices fell after 
the war, and the condition of things was unsatisfactory 
otherwise as to the profitableness of sheep raising, thous- 
ands of the poorest sheep were killed and fed to hogs, the 
pelts selling for about as much as the live sheep. Thirty 
years ago there was some talk in certain localities of the 
county about the sheep having sore feet, but about 1866 
there was much complaint of " foot rot." Remedies were 
devised, and care was taken in the selection of pasturage, 
and the evil soon passed away. 

A Coshocton county Wool-growers' Association was or- 
ganized about 1864. In February, 1876, the IsTational 
Merino Sheep Breeders' Association was organized at Cos- 
hocton, in a meeting attended by delegates from Pennsyl- 
vania, West Virginia, Missouri, and other states. 

FINE CATTLE. 

In comparatively early times, John Meskimens, Judge 
Robinson, and Daniel Miller brought some fine cattle into 
the county. More than thirty years ago, Frank McGuire 
and Geo. Wolf bought some superior stock in this line 
from E. P. Prentiss, of Albany, !New York, and afterward 
some from D. D. Campbell, of Schenectady, i^ew York. 
About 1851, Arnold Medberry and Samuel Brown made 
purchase of some very fine cattle froni Dr. Watts, of Chilli- 
cothe. In 1855, Thomas Darling imported a lot from Ken- 
tucky, and not long thereafter Samuel Moore, Frank Mc- 
Guire, and T. S. Humrickhouse became prominently 
connected with the same line of work. John G. Stewart, a 
few years ago, exhibited a very superior herd, and has 
taken much interest in that kind of " stock." J, W. 
Dwyer has of late also interested himself greatly, especially 
in the Jerseys and Alderneys. 

HOGS. 

The hogs of the earlier day in Coshocton county were 
all that could be made by an abundance of corn and little 
care ; but the original stock not being very good, and little 



88 Historical Collections of Coshocton Cotmty. 

eftbrt being made to improve it, long snouts and blue skins 
were the rule. The McGiiires and the Wolfs were about 
the first to give attention to improved breeds. Afterward 
the Lennons, the Burrells, and Matthew Johnson interested 
themselves in the same line. G. W. Silliman, after his visit 
to Europe, took an interest in the Berkshires, and brought 
into the county some of that breed. The Chester Whites 
became and continued great favorites. The Leicestershires 
have found many approvers, and are just now with many 
the favorites. 

In early days, one and a half cents per pound was con- 
sidered a fair price for hogs, live weight. In 1864, AVm. E. 
Hunt got fourteen cents a pound for a few Chester White 
hogs, but he must have received the usual " Preacher's 
favors," inasmuch as farmers McGuire and Moore got only 
eleven and three-fourths cents for their best specimens. 

BLOODED HORSES. 

" Blooded " horses have from the first received a good 
deal of attention in Coshocton county. Old Colonel Williams 
and his compeers had the Virginia notions about these 
things. The race-course was not then, as now, circular and 
leveled and rolled, but they had one from the earliest days 
down. There was one on the Butler place up the Wal- 
honding. The road to Lewisville has been used. But the 
favorite track for years was on what is now Fifth street in Cos- 
hocton, along which two parallel narrow tracks were cleared. 
" Tests of speed " were there made — not witnessed by ele- 
gantly dressed ladies and gentlemen, such as now-a-days 
throng the county fair-grounds, but by the " homespun '' 
crowd. It is claimed that if the associations of the place 
were less refined, the honesty was not less than now. They 
meant square business or simple fun in those days, and 
were severe on "jockeying." They did not then sell 
" pools." 

Among those actively interested in the horse line, the 
following may be named : One of the Butlers, in New Cas- 
tle township, had charge of two horses belonging to Peter 
Casey, one of the first associate judges of the county, 



Agricultural Notes ^ etc. 89 

brought in before 1812. They were called " Whistle 
Jacket " and " Highflyer." Colonel Williams, of Coshoc- 
ton, bought in from Virginia a horse, long famed in this re- 
gion, called " Medley." Robert Farwell brought from New 
England to Keene township -" Sir Archie." Joseph W. 
Rue, about 1830, introduced " John of Jersey," and 
" Patrick Richards," colts by a horse entered for a race 
against " Eclipse," the famous trotter on Long Island 
course, but withdrawn on account of lameness. Matthew 
Stewart is remembered in connection with " Hickory." 
Lewis Rice and John Johnson had a horse called " Pre- 
mium," and A. G. Wood one called " Sir Charles." Sam. 
Baker's horse was " Snowball." 

In 1866, D. L. Triplett and Wm. Bachelor brought from 
Kentucky " Abdallah," who met the sad fate of being 
burned to death in a stable consumed in the fall of 1869. 
The County Horse Fair Association was organized in 
1866. 

FRUIT CULTURE. 

The first orchards planted in Coshocton county were, for 
the most part, if not entirely, from seedling trees. Top 
grafting upon these was afterward resorted to in a small 
degree, but without materially changing the general char- 
acter of the fruit, except in a few instances. Some of the 
early settlers coming in from Maryland and Virginia 
brought with them sprouts from the orchards of their home 
regions, and these of course contained those varieties. 
Some of these still have a place in the orchards of the 
descendants of those who brought them. 

In 1832 Joshua B. Hart, of Tiverton township, had a 
bearing orchard of grafted fruit, consisting of the kinds 
brought out by the Ohio company when they settled at Ma- 
rietta. Mr. Hart propagated some by grafting, but could 
not sell his trees, and quit in a short time. 

Joseph F. Munro had a large orchard planted for him by 
old John Matthews, also of the Marietta sorts. The Rob- 
insons had a few trees of the same. 

William Meskimens, on Will's creek, practiced grafting 



90 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

in a small way, and had bearing apple trees of the kinds 
common in Western Pennsylvania. 

George Henderson had a bearing orchard of apples, and 
practiced grafting in a small way. His orchard was on 
"White Eyes, and consisted of Western Pennsylvania kinds. 

Old Mr. McFetridge had planted an orchard, not then yet 
in bearing. He brought his trees from Steubenville, and 
they were of the kinds grown in the Kneisley nurseries. 

A nurseryman in Fairlield county, about 1830-31, brought 
by canal a large lot of grafted apple trees, but found no sale 
for them for orchard planting, and traded or in some way 
disposed of them to Xathan Spencer, who planted tliem in 
a kind of nursery, and sold them to John Frew. Eighty 
of them were planted b}^ T. S. Humrickhouse in an orchard 
on Mill Creek in the fall of 1833. 

Old John Elliott planted an orchard of the same kind on 
his farm in Bethlehem township. Every tree of this lot 
was true to name, and the whole selection proved most ad- 
mirable. 

Richard Moode, near West Bedford, practiced grafting 
to a small extent, and had an orchard. 

Wishing to plant two or three apple orchards, and not 
being able to find all the kinds he wanted in any one 
nurser}', T. S. Humrickhouse, about 1835, commenced 
making a collection and grafting in nursery. He took 
from all the orchards above mentioned all the varieties they 
contained, and added from a distance all the kinds he could 
hear of that gave promise of being valuable, and has con- 
tinued that sort of work to this day. 

When James Matthews was in Congress he procured 
most of the native and many foreign varieties, and they 
were thoroughly tried. Most of the foreign and many of 
the native were discarded. Both Mr. Matthews and Mr. 
Humrickhouse, about 1840, gave considerable attention to 
pears, peaches, plums, and grapes, introducing many line 
varieties. 

About 1838 Robert See vers started a nursery at West 
Carlisle, and many of the orchards in the western town- 
ships were stocked by him. 



Agricultural Notes, etc. 91 

Kellis Hord started one near Bakersville. Others in dif- 
ferent parts of the county tried the business, but few of 
them continued long in it. 

Traveling grafters, between 1840 and 1850, abounded in 
the county, but have not left very distinct traces. 

For the last twenty years very heavy importations of fruit 
trees have been made. In one year the sales of tree-peddlers 
reached nearly $8,000. Those who experimented most 
largely in the j)urchase of these trees do not exult much at 
their success. An immense proportion of the trees died, 
and many of the varieties which were most highly com- 
mended proved really very inferior ; and it has been dis- 
covered that it is sometimes better to go to a home nursery 
and get a few good varieties than to get a larger list pressed 
upon them by some one from without. 

Joseph K. Johnson probably planted the largest peach 
orchard ever set out in the county — some eighty acres — on 
his place, about a mile east of Coshocton. 

Among the most successful fruit-growers of late, as indi- 
cated by county fair displays and premiums, have been 
John Yance and Hugh McFadden, of Tuscarawas town- 
ship ; Shiieon Ellis, of "Washington ; William McCormick, 
of Keene ; and William C. Saunders, of White Eyes. 

In this connection it may be stated that in 1855 J. K. 
Johnson planted quite a considerable vineyard on his place, 
one mile east of Coshocton, and for a few years soon there- 
after a considerable quantity of wine was made under his 
direction. The most of this was used by sick friends, of 
whom there proved to be a good many, and for church pur- 
poses. From the experiment, as made by him, there was 
no disposition on the part of himself or neighbors to en- 
large this interest. 

Some years subsequently, J. B. Elliott and F. Seward es- 
tablished a vineyard in Keene township, but the operation 
was not accounted a large success. 

A Mr. Shitz, in Crawford township, is perhaps the only 
one now operating in this line in the county. Most excel- 
lent grapes of such varieties come into the county as indi- 
vidual tastes approve, are grown in domestic way, and soils 



92 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

and other elements of success are found in many parts, and 
abound in a half dozen townships. 

COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY — FAIRS. 

As early as 1835, the county commissioners, under pro- 
visions of law, directed a call to be issued for a meeting 
looking to the formation of a county agricultural society. 
But nothing efi'ective was done under that call, or in any 
other way, for many years. The association of those chiefly 
interested in the cultivation of the soil progressed slowly. 
The matter at length was taken up by such men as Dr. H. 
Williams, Colonel C. F. Sangster, Dr. E. Cone, Judge Burt, 
John Davis, and determined and successful efforts accom- 
plished the organization. 

The presidents of the society, as obtained from accessible 
sources,* have been Heslip Williams, E. Cone, James M. 
Burt, John Meskimens, Wm. Hanlon, J. S. Elliott, and J. 
C. Campbell. 

Secretaries : John Humrickhouse, C. 11. Johnston, W. R. 
Forker, L. L. Cantwell, David Lanning, and Geo. Miller. 

Treasurers : Wm. K. Johnson, Matthew Johnston, J. L. 
Rue, John A. Hanlon. 

In the board of managers, besides the gentlemen above 
named, the following have served : A. D. Denman, T. S. 
Humrickhouse, Thomas Darling, Francis McGuire, Wm. 
Renfrew, Samuel Moore, James E. Robinson, D. L. Trip- 
lett, Frank Stafford, J. M. Smith, E. L. Robinson, Joseph 
Dickenson, Francis Wolf, Adam Pifier, John Mulligan, Geo. 
Factor, Peter Stevenson, J. M. Denman, Wm, McCoy, B. C. 
Blackburn, Seth Christy, Wm. Hesket, Hugh McFadden, 
Saul Miller, S. C. Burrell, John Hogle, Philip Moore, 
Lewis Demoss, G. W. Wolf, Marion Darling, Alex. Dins- 
more, Thomas McCounell, Wellington Darling, E. J. Po- 
cock, T. H. Burrell, John M. Adams, John Waggoner, 
Samuel Gardiner, J. H. Carr, Joseph W. Dwyer, Calvin 

*The earlier records can not be found, after much inquiry. Plenty 
of people in this, as in other matters, "can tell W(o can tell" where 
they are. 



Agricultural Notes, etc. 93 

Bo3''d, Joseph Love, Joseph Burrell, M. L. Norris, and John 
Richardsou. 

For a number of years the expenses of the society, in- 
cluding the premiums, were defrayed by annual fees paid 
by the members. Any one may become a member by the 
payment of one doUar per year ; receiving, also, four tick- 
ets of entrance to fairs. 

The first fair under the auspices of the society was held 
at Jacobsport, in 1850. The fairs for several years there- 
after were held in the public square at Coshocton. From 
the first there was a choice selection of stock, and a grad- 
ual increase in other lines. The Elliotts and John Davis 
soon had some good displays of agricultural implements. 
The farmers' wives and daughters warmly seconded their 
husbands and fathers. 

The fair of 1856 was not remarkable for display, but the 
talks among farmers and stock-breeders had their effect in 
awakening interest, and then settled these annual gather- 
ings as things to be kept up. That year an arrangement 
was made for leasing for a term of years the John Burt 
fair ground (since laid out into lots), extending from Sev- 
enth street to the foot of the bluff, and from Main street to 
the south side of Hiram Beall's property. This tract con- 
tained about nine acres. It was properly fenced, and build- 
ings and stalls erected on it, and the fair of 1857 was held 
there. By 1865, these grounds became insufficient, and in 
that year the society purchased from Dr. S. H. Lee twenty 
acres, about four hundred yards east of the Burt tract, and 
proceeded to fit up more extensive and, as was supposed, 
more permanent buildings. The amount paid for these 
grounds was $3,200. To assist the society in purchasing 
these grounds, the county commissioners agreed to donate 
$500, and to loan the society $500 more, to be repaid out 
of their receipts whenever the commissioners should require. 
It is understood that this was repaid when the grounds 
were sold by the society, as they were in the winter of 
1872-3, having been cut up into lots, the society having in 
November, 1872, purchased of J. W. Dwyer the grounds 
now used for fair purposes. These grounds, lying a quarter 



94 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

of a mile south of the Burt fair ground, include a large 
grove (which was a chief attraction in the purchase), and 
are more convenient in the matter of access to water, not 
lying so high above the river level as the Lee ground. The 
amount of land embraced is thirty-four and fifty-eight one- 
hundredth acres, and the cost of it ^10,488. Of this, from 
proceeds of sales of old grounds and otherwise, some $4,000 
have been paid. For improvements on the new ground nearly 
$6,000 have been expended. The fair receipts for 1875 were 
$2,389, and the premiums paid about $1,500. 

It is not understood that there are anv ""ranges of the 
Patrons of Husbandry in the county, but there are several 
"farmers' clubs;" those of Franklin, Linton, and Lafayette 
townships being seemingly the most vigorous and suc- 
cessful. 

The " Centennial Fourth of July celebration " for Cosh- 
octon county was held on the grounds of the society, and 
under its auspices. Messrs. Elliott, De Moss, Dwyer, and 
Miller were the committee of arrangements. Despite the 
frequent showers of rain, there was a very large attendance 
of people from all parts of the county, the number present 
being in excess of any company of people assembled pre- 
viously in the county. Music and flags and banners lent 
interest to the occasion. Thomas Campbell, Esq., was the 
president of the day. The Declaration of Independence 
was read by J. M. Compton, Esq. R M. Voorhees, Esq., 
read a sketch of the history of Coshocton county, prepared 
by Rev. William E. Hunt (previously appointed, but de- 
tained from the ground by illness). "William Sample, Esq., 
delivered an " Address on the Agricultural Interests of 
Coshocton County." Appropriate songs were sung by the 
whole company, led by J. Glover and by the Welsh Quar- 
tette, under the leadership of E. Prosser. 



Notes on Manufacturings Minings etc. 95 



CHAPTER XII. 

NOTES ON MANUFACTURING, MINING, ETC. 
MILLING. 

The earliest settlers relied for the most part on hominy 
or pounded corn. The hominy block was an indispensable 
article. The finest particles of the crushed grain were 
made into cakes and the coarser boiled. The hand-mill 
was the next appliance ; then the little neighborhood mills, 
turned by a run or a horse ; then the " one run of burr " 
mills were set up — one or two in a township. One of the 
earliest settlers tells how, having grown weary of hominy 
meal, and having heard that there was a power mill be- 
tween Dresden and Zanesville, he put some grain in his 
canoe, and started down the river from near Oxford. The 
mill was discovered to be quite a patent aflair. Two canoes 
had been fastened just at a ripple in the river, and a small 
paddle-wheel set between the boats, and this, turned by the 
rippling waters, furnished the power to turn a large sized 
hand-mill. 

In the " Kotices of some of the Earliest Settlers by Town- 
ship," in a preceding part of this volume, mention has 
been made of many of the " corn-crackers," as the primitive 
mills were often designated. Of the earlier mills the more 
famous were those of Isaac Evans and Michael Miller. 
Probably the first mill that rose much above the dignity of 
a "corn-cracker" was that built in Linton township by 
Thomas Johnson and Jacob Waggoner in 1817, having four 
run of burrs. 

J. F. Monroe & Co. erected the mill near the mouth of 
"Will's creek (now Frew's mill) about 1820. 

The mill in Perry township now operated by Adam Gault 
was built at a very early day. 

Soon after the Ohio canal was opened, Medberry, Ransom 



96 Historical Collections of Coshocton County, 

& Co. built the " Roscoe mill" (upper), which was burned 
in 1853. 

In 1840 the "Union mill " was built in lower Roscoe by 
the Union Mill Company (R. M. Lamb, Dr. S. Lee, and John 
Frew, of Coshocton ; Wm. and John Carhart, Jos. Le Retil- 
ley and George Bagnall, of Roscoe; and Peter Marquand, 
of Will's creek). Becoming embarrassed, the company 
sold this mill to J). N. Barney & Co., of Cleveland, and it 
was by them sold to Arnold Medberry. It was burned in 1855. 

J. S. McVey started his mill at Walhoding about 1844, 
having enlarged and refitted for the purpose the Gamble 
distillery. 

About 1846, the Linton mill was built by J. Y. Ileslip, 
Joseph Ileslip, and M. L. Norris. In 1850, Robert Long 
started the mill at Warsaw; it afterward passed into the 
hands of N. Rector, subsequently was run by Burrell & 
Donley, and then by Robert Darling & Son. In 1856, the 
Empire mill in Roscoe was started by A. Medbery. After 
his death (in 1862) it was bought by F. E. Barney, Lewis 
Demoss, S. Lamberson, and D. L. Triplett. These gentle- 
men, within a few years, have added very largely to the 
machinery, and extended the buildings, making the estab- 
lishment one of the largest in the State of Ohio.* In 1874, 
the Beebe Brothers started their mill in Lower Roscoe. 
Robert D. Boyd also built one at Wild Turkey Lock. In 
183-, a flouriug-mill was built, corner of Second and Main 
streets, by James Renfrew & Co. After a few years it was 
burned down, and subsequently another, on the same site, 
was erected by a company, embracing the principal mer- 
chants of the town of Coshocton and a few others. It was 
not very successfully run, and after some years passed into 
the hands of Love & Hay, distillers, as elsewhere noted. In 
1875, C. Balch & Co. started the " City Mill," the large 
brick mill just east of the freight depot in Coshocton. The 
following is the list of mills now in operation in addition 
to those already indicated, viz. : New Princeton, operated 

* Joab Agnew and N. Schott have been so long with this establish- 
ment as to make them seem part of it. 



Notes on Manufacturings Mining, etc. 97 

by Beck & Brother ; Helmick Mills, Beck and Miller ; 
Clark's Mill, Beck & Co.; West Bedford, Darr ; Chili, 
John Bowman ; Avondale (formerly Boyd's) Mill, Thos. 
Elliott ; Emerson's Mill, near Orange. 

The manufacture of whisky must be fairly set down as, 
for many years, one of the leading industries of Coshocton 
county. Much of the wealth of the county has come 
through it. A number of substantial citizens have been 
connected with it. It had the credit of being, for 
the most part, honestly carried on ; and the article made 
had a good reputation. Even a clergyman of the county 
advised his remote friends, " if they must have whisky, to 
be sure and get Coshocton county whisky." Passing by 
ruder and smaller still-houses, a noticeable one was in oper- 
ation, nearly forty years ago, near Walhonding, conducted 
by James Gamble, and a little later, one at that place by 
Collins, Gamble, and others. Another was on Lower 
"Wills creek, operated by Mimroe and others. A few miles 
below lioscoe was a quite substantial structure, turning out 
large quantities of corn-juice from 1830 to 1840, owned by 
John Frew & Co. (the Bowmans, of Brownsville, Pennsyl- 
vania). In later times there was a large whisky-mill at 
Conesville, operated by Cone, and then J. W. Beebe, and 
then Barney, Corning & Co., during whose administration 
the establishment was burned. It was rebuilt by Beebe, 
and a second time burned. 

Wm. Penfrew and Robert Hay commenced operations in 
this line in 1831-2, in Upper Roscoe. The firm afterward 
became Love & Hay (Samuel Love afterward removed to 
Champaign county, Illinois, being in first, and afterward 
his brother Thomas Love). Subsequently, the distillery in 
Roscoe having burned, they came over to the old flouring-mill 
at the coi'ner of Main and Second streets in Coshocton, and 
there continued for many years.* In 1863, T. Love & Co. 
sold a thousand barrels of their whisky to parties who im- 
mediately shipped it to California, and brought back, as the 



*Fred. Schreid will long be remembered as one of the chief attaches 
of this concern. 



98 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

return cargo, thirty thousand barrels of flour. The very 
heavy capital involved and to some extent imperiled in 
the seasons of highest prices for corn, and especially the 
difficulties of competing with less honest distillers, who 
would run " crooked " whisky, and the ample returns al- 
ready secured, led to the giving up of the business. There 
is at this writing no recognized still in the county, and no 
whisky has been made in the county for some ten j^ears. 

Andrew Lybarger was the first man to start a tannery, 
setting up in that line, about 1808, in Coshocton, on the 
northwest corner of Second and Walnut streets. This yard 
afterward passed into the hands of John and Joseph K. 
Johnson, and, at a still later day, was owned by Andrew 
Wilkins. It was abandoned some 3'ears since. Probably 
the tannery next started was the one a mile above Koscoe, 
by the Carharts. Not long after was one at East Plain- 
field under the control of Thomas Johnston. Among the 
old establishments of this sort was one near Keene, oper- 
ated by Geo. Wolf — afterward by Sprague ; one at East 
Union, started by McYey and Bonnett, now run by the 
Blues ; and one near West Bedford, under Wm. Penfrew. 
At this writing there is a tannery at Plaintield, run by 
Lewis Carhart; one at Coshocton, by H. N. Shaw & Sons ; 
at Roscoe, by J. & II. Carhart ; at New Princeton, by Wm. 
Wolfe; at East Union, by the Blues; at New Castle, by 
Jonathan Knight ; at West Carlisle, by Lewis Bonnett ; and 
one at Chili, by Gotlieb Feller. 

The first iron foundry in the county was started in Cosh- 
octon by George Conwell and Morris Burt. It still stands 
on the lot just south of Dr. Wm. Stanton's residence, cor- 
ner of second and Locust streets. The Poses, of Roscoe, 
started the lioscoe foundry. The Coshocton one passed 
into the hands of J. C. Magiuity, and the Roscoe one into 
Mr. Brown's, and these parties consolidated, making the 
Roscoe foundry the princij^al and, after a time, the only 
one. It is now operated by Henry King, of Coshocton, 
and James Mirise, of Roscoe. 

John Taylor for many years carried on a machine-shop 
,iu Coshocton, on the premises used for a tannery by H. N. 



Notes on Manufacturings Mining, etc. 99 

Shaw & Sons. His son, Hiram, and Henry King, some 
eight years ago started a foundry near the Tuscarawas 
bridge, and operated it (having James Hay also for a part- 
ner for a time) until they removed to Koscoe. 

A few years ago, a young man, named Edward Kirk, 
from Pittsburgh, started the foundry on Fifth street in 
Coshocton. It afterward passed into the hands of T. C. 
Ricketts, and was operated by Kirk and Robert Hay, then 
by Ricketts & Evans, and, still later, by Hirt, Palm & 
Evans. 

In May, 1871, a stock company was formed, called the 
" Coshocton Iron and Steel Company." The company pro- 
ceeded to erect quite extensive buildings, and put in them 
the machinery for making springs and axles and iron 
bridges. The president of the company was Houston Hay ; 
vice-president, F. E. Barney ; treasurer, T. C. Ricketts (and 
they, with Lewis Demoss and John Davis, were directors). 
The secretary was John A. Barney. James W. Shipman 
was general manager. He had formerly operated an estab- 
lishment of the same kind at Fort Plain, IST. Y., and the 
company bought the machinery of his establishment and 
removed it to Coshocton. This arrangement was made 
after a committee had visited the works there. Everything 
needful pertaining to the concern was obtained either from 
Shipman or other parties. For a time everything went 
well; but, after running some three years, the company 
made an assignment. The working capital had all been 
borrowed at high rates of interest ; a boiler had exploded 
(June 10, 1873), entailing several thousands of dollars of 
loss ; very large sums were paid for salaries and wages, and 
in some cases not much return in the way of service made ; 
and these and ather causes soon swamped the company, and 
more or less embarrassed the stockholders. The establish- 
ment was idle for a number of months, and was then 
bought on the second ofi'er at sheriff's sale by Houston 
Hay, who held nearly one-third of the stock of the original 
company. The price paid was $33,334. Hay soon started 
the axle department, and not long after, in partnership with 
J. W. Dwyer, resumed work in the spring department. 



lOO Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

This is, at this writing, the largest iron manufacturing es- 
tablishment in the county, giving employment to nearly one 
hundred men and boys. George Ayres is the superintendent 
of the axle department, John Iloban of the spring shop, 
and Farley Connerty of the foundry. 

Some twenty years ago a small foundry was started at 
Walhonding, and is still operated in a limited way. 

There are in the county deposits of iron ore — at least 
one large deposit of black-band (on the farm of "William 
Hanlon, near Coshocton) — but as yet nothing has been done 
in either shipping or working these mineral riches. 

More than forty years ago certain gentlemen came from 
Bucks county, Pa., and undertook the erection of a furnace 
near New Princeton, in Monroe township ; but, after cut- 
ting immense quantities of cord-wood, and doing some 
work in building, the enterprise was abandoned. One of 
the principal operators (B. F. Williams) removed to Rich- 
mond, Ind. 

A couple of miles northeast of Coshocton is a black- 
marble quarry. It is claimed to be of the .sort used for 
tiling, etc. A movement was made a few years ago to 
utilize this, but the project was not well braced, and the 
capital requisite was not secured. Another eifort was made 
in 1876, with some promise of success. 

There was a carding-mill, in very early days, at Plain- 
tield. At a later day, one near Warsaw and another at 
Bakersville. The first complete mill was started in 1833 
in upper Roscoe by Samuel Molfat. After a few years it 
was burned down, and another built by C. S. Miller and S. 
Moftat. Miller went to California, and Moffat died, and 
the property passed into the hands of Thomas Wilson in 
1855. With this enterprise, Wilson McClintock, afterward 
removing to Butler, Missouri, was for some years identified. 
The building was a frame one, stood a little above the 
planing-mill, and was burned down in 1867. Wilson pro- 
ceeded promptly, after the fire, to build the large brick mill 
now operated by him, upon a site a little west of the old 
one, drawing water from the Walhonding canal, instead of 
the Ohio canal. 



Notes on Manufacturing, Mining, etc. loi 

James Taylor operated a woolen mill in Coshocton for 
some years about 1840. Within a few years one has been 
erected by a stock company at Bakersville. 

The paper-mill in Coshocton was built in 1863. Thomp- 
son Hanna (of Steubenville for many years) was its pro- 
jector and builder. Messrs, Hay, Johnson, Spangler, Den- 
man, and others countenanced the movement, and aided 
with the loan of funds, Daniel W. Hanna and Robert Sin- 
clair (son and son-in-law of Thompson Hanna) afterward 
operated the mill. "Want of working capital — made more 
oppressive by a boiler explosion * and other misfortunes — 
caused a failure of the proprietors. After some temporary 
arrangements, the property came into the hands of John 
W. Cassingham and A. D, Harvey, of Coshocton, and Hugh 
McElroy, of Pittsburg, Pa,, and has been by them success- 
fully operated for some years. 

Among the more considerable saw-mills of the earlier 
days Avere those of Isaac Evans, on Evans' creek, Thomas 
Johnson on Will's creek, and Sherry Odell on Mill creek. 

At a later day, mills were set up in Upper Roscoe, at 
Wild Turkey lock, and at Warsaw. 

The Coshocton Planing Mill Company commenced ope- 
rations in 1869. The company was originally composed of 
Addison M. Williams, Martin Weiser, and W. H. Robin- 
son, Jr. Robinson soon withdrew, and Dr. Wm. Stanton 
became a partner for a time. For several 3'^ears the estab- 
lishment has been owned and operated by Williams & 
Weiser. The building first used was Jackson Hay's old 
warehouse, from Canal Lewisville, which the company took 
down, hauled to Coshocton on wagons, and re-erected. 
Very considerable additions have been made to this orig- 
inal structure. 

A planing-mill was attached to the Roscoe saw-mill by 
James W. Beebe, about 1871, now owned and operated by 
Adams & Gleason. 

Within a few years, planing-mills have been set up at 

*By this explosion, John Freeman was killed and John Sherrod se- 
riously hurt. It occurred in 186G. 



I02 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Jacobsport and Warsaw, the latter now operated by Butler 
& Leavengood, and the former by Wolf & Williams. 

There are still several water saw-mills doing considerable 
in their wa}', but a very large part of work in this line has 
been done for some years by portable steam mills. Among 
those most largely operating with these have been Messrs. 
Staftbrd, Talmadge, Seward, and Joseph Elliott. 

The first hatter's shop in the county was probably set up 
in East Union. Morris Burt was the lirst in this line in 
Coshocton. M. Ferguson worked in it for more than a 
quarter of a century in Roscoe. James H. Donohew, a 
veteran of the line, now represents the interest in the 
county at Coshocton. 

The first brewery in Coshocton was started in the house 
opposite the ofiice of Dr. J. Harris, on liorth Second street, 
about 1852, by L. Mayer. 

Lewis Beiber built the brewery on North Fourth street 
in 1866. The one in lower Roscoe was started some years 
later by C. Mayer. 

The Coshocton brewery is at this time operated by Chas. 
Boes. 

A small soap-factory was built twenty-five years ago near 
the bridge in Coshocton by J. Mayer. Some six years 
ago, the establishment was bought by W. H. Robinson, Jr., 
and C. Skinner, and torn down, to be replaced with the 
" Coshocton Soap Works," now owned and operated by D. 
Adams. 

B. F. Sells for a time operated a small soap-factory, at 
the west end of Main street, about 1858. 

J. K. Marsh was the first to manufacture cigars on any 
noticeable scale — running into the millions. He set up in 
Coshocton in 1870. A Mr. Horton made a few some years 
before. 

The manufacture of flour and whisky made the cooper- 
ing business at one time quite an important industry. 
Among the long-engaged in this line were, of the earlier 
days, Jonathan Fisk and J. Huff*, and of later times, John 
Mulligan, Robert Crawford, N. Schott, and K. Klossen, of 
Roscoe, and C. Marks, of Warsaw. 



Notes on Manufacturing, Mining, etc. 103 

In 1857, E. McDonald and Alex. Manner, from Dresden, 
set up a carriage manufactory on West Walnut street. 
After a couple of years, Manner engaged in other business. 

In 18G9, McDonald erected the extensive shops still oc- 
cupied by him on South Third street. 

The shops on Sixth street, now occupied by Alex. Man- 
ner, were erected by G. A. Pieffer & Sons, of Dresden, in 
1869. In 1873, Manner bought these premises at assignee's 
sale, and has since operated there. 

Darius Wright for many years carried on wagon-making 
at Cross Roads, on a scale to become largely known 
through the county. He is now operating in Warsaw. 

Geo. Schleich was the first to do much in this line in 
Coshocton ; subsequently J. Gh)ver undertook the same 
line of work, and was succeeded by C. W. Frew, who after- 
ward removed to Illinois. 

A. Fritz was also engaged for a time in the same line, 
and was succeeded by Jeffries & Van Allen. 

There has been since 1860 a noticeable carriage and 
wagon-shop, at West Carlisle, in charge mainly of Mr. 
Welling. There has also been for three years past a con- 
siderable amount of work in this line done at New Bed- 
ford. 

John Shields, at West Bedford, has for many years man- 
ufactured threshing-machines and hay-rakes. 

John Irwin for a number of years turned out a large 
number of plows, but he removed, two years since, to 
Iowa, and this business is now chiefly carried on by King 
& Mi rise, of Koscoe. 

The Coshocton gas-works were built in the winter of 
1873-4. The contractor was B. Van Steenberg, of ISTew 
York, who also at the outset was the heaviest stockholder 
— selling his interest subsequently to Houston Hay. The 
company was first organized in 1872, F. E. Barney, L. 
Demoss, John G. Stewart, II. IST. Shaw, and W. E. Hunt, 
directors. H. N. Shaw was succeeded by H. Hay, who, 
with the others above named, are tiie present directors. 

The local papers of that day say, " The success of the 
enterprise is to be attributed to F. E. Barney and Wm. E. 



104 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Hunt." Isaac MciN'arry has been superintendent from the 
start. 

H. N. Shaw & Sons (in connection with their more ex- 
tended tannins: operations), in 1875, undertook the manu- 
facture of boots and shoes on a larger scale than had been 
previously attempted. 

The latest manufacturing enterprise is that in charge of 
J. W. Bebee (United States Yeast Company) — the making 
of dry yeast. In the winter of 1875-6, he entered upon 
this work in Lower Eoscoe, and is at this writing shipping 
several hundred pounds a day. 

MINING. 

Probably the first coal-bank opened in Coshocton county 
was that of Morris Burt, a mile east of Coshocton, say 
1834. 

As early as 1836, Matthew Scott mined on his place, in 
Virginia township, and shipped to Columbus several cargoes 
of coal. 

A few years later, the " Licking and Coshocton Coal 
Company " commenced quite extensive operations at Coal- 
port, and continued shipping by canal to Newark until 
about 1860, when the works were taken b}' others. 

In 1856, Foght Burt, from his mine on his farm, about 
a mile southeast of Coshocton (now in possession of W. K. 
Johnson's heirs), made a four-feet ten-inch railroad to con- 
nect with the S. & I. R. R., making the junction a little 
south of the freight-depot. At first horses were used to 
haul the cars; afterward a small locomotive ("Little 
Giant"), T. H. Burt being the engineer. A considerable 
amount of money was put in the enterprise, and much ef- 
fort made by Mr. Burt and his sons, R. W. and T. II., 
but the project was a costly failure, owing, as is said, to the 
failure of the S. & I. R. R. Co., " from inability possibly," says 
R. W. Burt, to meet expectations of assistance in building 
the coal road, and afterward in furnishing cars. 

Not long after the railroad was built Edward Prosser 
opened a mine about a mile northeast of Coshocton. 

The Rock-Run Coal Company commenced operations 



Notes on Manufacturings Mititng, etc. 105 

about the same time, and the " Shoemaker bank" was next 
opened. 

The coal business received a great impulse about 1868, 
through the operations of Colonel J. 0. Campbell and Al- 
bert Christy, who leased large tracts, and organized the 
" Coshocton Coal Company," enlisting A. H. Spangler very 
thoroughly. This company bought out Prosser's Beech 
Hollow bank, and Shoemaker dying, the territory held 
by him was also embraced in their leases. The Miami 
Company was formed buying from the Coshocton Company 
the Shoemaker leases ; also the ISTew York Company taking 
some territory two miles south of the town of Coshocton. 

Several companies were also organized to operate in the 
old Coalport field. These, with some changes in organiza- 
tion, continue. The l!^ew York Company's mine passed 
into the control of the Union Company, now under the 
management of Colonel "Wood. The Miami Company was 
supplanted by the "Penn Twyn." 

In 1870, F. E. and J. A. Barney, D. L. Triplett, S. H. 
Lee, G. W. Ricketts, E. Prosser, and others formed the 
" Home Coal Company." Prosser, after a year or so, sold 
his interest in that company, and opened a mine three and 
one-half miles southwest of Coshocton, near the canal, 
shipping by that chiefly to Newark. This bank is still 
under his control. He also, in connection with J. W*. Cas- 
singham and T. Dudley (of Piqua), purchased the Home 
Company bank. These gentlemen also operate the " Penn 
Twyn," and are thus the heaviest coal operators in the 
county at this writing.* 

Of the old Coshocton Company, Colonel J. C. Campbell 
is the president, having the controlling interest in the 
stock. 

Vast amounts of coal of confessedly superior quality 
have been shipped from these mines, and whatever the re- 
sult to some of the stockholders and operators, large pecu- 

*As much as 120,000 bushels (5,000 tons) have been shipped in one 
month. 



io6 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 



niary advantages to the county have been derived from 
them. 

The difficulties connected with the matter of transporta- 
tion are alleged to be the chief draAvbacks to a more suc- 
cessful prosecution of business at any of them. 

Besides the merchant mines already mentioned (eight), 
there are now a number of home supply mines, of which 
the principal are those of William Hall, J. Lear, William 
G. Hay, and J. Burt, of Tuscarawas township ; and D. 
Markley and R. Boyd, of Keene township. 

Besides the territory embraced in the leases of the com- 
panies above referred to, the Morgan Kun Ooal and Mining 
Company has several (three) thousand acres covered by its 
leases, but as yet unworked. It is expected that these 
lauds will be penetrated by the Massilon and Coshocton 
Railroad, whose projectors are largely interested in them. 

The undeveloped coal wealth of the county seems at this 
time properl}' to demand the use of large figures for its 
statement. 

COAL OIL STILLS AND OIL WELLS. 

From 1857 to 1860 a good deal of money was expended 
in the making of coal oil in Bedford township, where there 
are very fine beds of cannel coal. Parties from Boston, 
New York, and Pittsburg, including such men as Ezra 
Cornell, of New York ; A. E. Kittredge, of Boston ; and 
Robert Forsythe, of Pittsburg, erected stills and opened 
mines, and made things for a time very lively. But the 
oil wells in Western Pennsylvania soon set aside the coal 
oil. Considerable quantities of the coal were afterward 
shipped to the gas-works at Newark and elsewhere. There 
was at one time much " oil fever" in Coshocton county. 

Messrs. Montgomery and Cowdery came in, and driving 
about in an elegant conveyance, with silver-mounted har- 
ness and whip, made many anxious to get " into oil." 
They took leases, and gave people to understand that oil 
abounded in the county. A few of the citizens have reason 
to remember them, and would rather not hear much about 
oil stocks. 

Certain gentlemen of Coshocton and Roscoe, under the 



Notes on Manufacturings Minings etc. 107 

leadership of F. E. Barney, T. C. Ricketts, and others, 
formed a "test" company, and snnk a well near the Em- 
pire mills in Roscoe, to the depth of some seventeen hun- 
dred feet, at a cost of some $6,000, but did not strike oil 
in paying quantities. Several holes in the ground were 
also made on Will's creek, and some gentlemen of Coshoc- 
ton and elsewhere got into companies " on the ground 
floor." 

During the war and soon after, a great many oil leases 
were taken on ground in ITew Castle township, and par- 
ties, chiefly under the management of Peter Neff, of Cin- 
cinnati, sunk some wells. !No oil of consequence was 
found, but there was an immense outflow of gas, and this 
has recently been turned to account in making lamp-black 
of very superior quality and in considerable amount. 

Soon after the settlement of the county, salt was manu- 
factured on a small scale at Rock Run, three miles south 
of Coshocton. A few miles further down the river, just 
over the line of the county (in Muskingum), are, at this 
writing, quite extensive salt works, with which John H. 
Klossen, of Coshocton and Roscoe, has for some years been 
connected. They were operated for years by Retilley & 
Bagnall, of Roscoe. 

Potteries, in the region of ]!Tew Castle (where excellent 
materials are found), have been ver}^ successfully carried 
on by the Richs and their successors. 

George Bagnall, about 1860, began operations in that 
line in Lower Roscoe, and afterward sold out to Mr. Rich, 
who now carries on the business. Bagnall removed to 
New Comerstown. 

The Coshocton Stone Company (Thomas H. Johnson, of 
Columbus, and John A. Hanlon andL. L. Cantwell, of Cosh- 
octon) have for a year past been operating in their quarry 
(on the Ohio canal and the projected route of the Massillon 
and Coshocton railway) and in their yard in Roscoe, where 
they have steam stone- saw apparatus. They are at this 
writing shipping a contribution of stone for the Ohio build- 
ing at the Philadelphia Centennial Fair. 



io8 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

WERCHAXDIZIXG, BANKING, TAVERN-KEEPING, ETC. 

Merchandizing was, of course, for many years on a very 
limited scale. The " goods " had to be brought from Pitts- 
burg, Steubenville, or Zanesville, either in wagons or by 
steamboat. For many years, of even later times, it was a 
common practice to drive stock on east, and in exchange 
get supplies of goods. Colonel Williams was a "trader." 

The first regular "storekeepers" in Coshocton county 
seem to have been Hedges and Hammond. James Calder 
was probably the next merchant. 

Among the men who achieved a reputation in this line 
in the earlier days were James Renfrew, Benjamin Rick- 
etts, John Smeltzer, and Robert Hay, of Coshocton ; Thos. 
Johnston, of Plainfield; the Mulvains, of Oxford town- 
ship; Wm. Brown, of West Carlisle; Chas. E. Marquard, 
at New Guilford; John H. Pigman, at Clayville ; Samuel 
Holmes, of West Bedford ; Welch, of Roscoe ; Samuel 
Ramsey, of Keene; F. W. Thornhill, of West Carlisle, 
West Bedford, and New Guilford (East Union); G. V. 
Lawrence and N. Shafer, at New Castle. 

The three principal business places in 1820, and for years 
after, were Coshocton, Caldersburg, and Plainlield. 

Of a somewhat later date than above named merchants, 
we have Wm. Renfrew, W. Iv. Johnson & Co., John Burns, 
Bagnall & Le Retilley, John Frew & Co., T. C. Ricketts, 
R. M. Lamb, Arnold Medbery, H. Meek, Humrickhouse & 
Co., Samuel Lamberson, John G. Stewart, Jackson Hay, 
H. N. Shaw, F. X. Fritchey, D. Bretsford, at Jacobsport ; 
R. Cochran, at West Carlisle; H. Beall, at Keene; Seth 
McLaiii, in Roscoe; R. Boyd, at Keene ; the Denmans and 
the Shotfners, at Warsaw ; Wilson k Thompson, at West 
Bedford. 

There was, of course, a vast enlargement of this interest 



Merchandizing^ Banking, Tavern-keeping, etc. 109 

after the canals were built, and a very great one along the 
line of the railway after it was opened.^'' With this multi- 
plication of establishments has come a division into depart- 
ments in the larger places, and the same store is now no 
longer expected, as in the olden times, to have laces and 
silks and soap and nails. There are, at this writing, in 
Coshocton and Roscoe only forty-six stores, with nearly as 
many more shops and saloons, etc. The keepers of some 
of these, as of others in the county, will doubtless be able 
to secure honorable and extended mention in "Chronicles 
of 1976." 

We append the list for the use of a subsequent historian : 

LIST OF PRINCIPAL BUSINESS HOUSES IN COSHOCTON COUNTY 
IN MAY, 1876. 

Coshocton — Dry Goods, etc. — Hay & Wilson, J. Pocock & 
Sons, J. H. Klossen, Mrs. W. W. Walker, A. F. Maltby. 

Drugs, etc. — J. Anderson, Dr. S. H. Lee, J. Wilkin, M. 
W. McKaughton, J. W. Wright, F. S. Faulkner, L. E. 
Disney. 

Hardware, etc. — Darling & Bonnet Bros., (r. W. Ricketts 
& Co., Forker & McDonald. 

China Goods, etc. — B. R. Shaw. 

Books and Music — J. Glover. 

Periodicals, etc. — F. X. Fritchey. 

Boots and Shoes, etc. — H. IST. Shaw & Sons, J. G. Magaw, 
Jos. H. Hay. 

Family Groceries — Rue & Son, Humrickhouse & Crow- 
ley, A. H. Thomson, L. F. Decker, Williams Bros., Charles 
Eckert, Lorentz & Long, C. Schweiker, C. Zugschwert, J. 
Bowen, Bachman Bros. 

Furniture — J. Waggoner, D. Rose & Son. 

* In 1856 the stores in Coshocton were all on Second and Chesnut 
streets, viz: T. C. Ricketts, dry goods; R. & H. Hay, dry goods; H. 
Meek, dry goods; A. N. Milner, dry goods; J. W. Dwyer, dry goods; 
Dryden & Co., drugs and books; Wm. McKee, drugs and books; S. 
Harbaugh, hardware; F. X. Fritchey, grocery; Mrs. E. Hawley, gro- 
cery; H. N. Shaw, boots and shoes; Cassingham &, Shaw, leather and 
findings; G. F. Wilcoxen, boots and shoes; J. Waggoner, furniture; 
and R. M. Hackinson, drugs. 



no Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Wholesale Liquors, etc. — P. McMainis, Maro J. Smith. 

Grain and Lime, etc. — A. H. Thomson, J. Mulligaji. 

Restaurants, Bakeries, etc. — B. Stevenson, Mrs. G. A. 
McDonald, P. Miller & Co. 

Marble — Thompson Bros. 

Pumps, Gas Fixtures, etc. — J. H. Carman. 

Meat Shops— H. Shaw, Burrell ct McGill, J. Enoch, Ho- 
selton & Harrison. 

Agricultural Warehouse — J. S. Elliott. 

Watches and Jewelry — W. W. Bostwick, J. Bostwick, 
R. B. Black. 

Millinery, etc. — Misses Baker, Mrs. IS". R. Tidball, Miss 
Hay. 

Saddlery — S, Snyder, Rezin Baker, C. Baker. 

Tailoring— P. Hack & Sons, H. Cantwell, D. C. Beach. 

Clothing — J. Wertheimer, J. Strouse. 

Roscoe — Dry Goods, etc. — Burns & Hack, Crawford & Re- 
tilley, Moore & Caton. 

Hardware — Harrison & Johnston. 

Groceries — L. R. Miller, C. W. Stamford. 

Leather — J. & H. Carhart. 

Saddlery — A. N. Compton. 

Tinware— E. F. Lynde. 

Drugs, etc. — John Adams, C. Ferguson. 

Canal Lewisville — Burns & Hack. 

Zeene— Goods— D. G. Whittemore, A. & W. B. Finley. 

Saddlery — W. Sprague. 

Warsaw — Goods — Jas. Foster, Bard & Carr, Clark, Buck- 
alew Bros., C. Strome. 

Drugs — Lawson & Son. 

Hardware — G. R. Gamble. 

Furniture — Joseph Tiralla. 

Saddlery — A. Kaufman. 

Hotel — N. Linebaugh. 

New Bedford — Renner & Burbacker, A. J. Bowman. 

Chili — John Lorentz, Sol. Dewitt, J. J. Leniiart. 

Bakersville — Wm. Forney. 

Avondale — J. M. Ferrell. 

Willow Brook— ^Y. Weight. 



Merchandizing^ Bankings Tavern- keeping, etc. iii 

Bacon Run — S. Osborne. 

Clark's — Pocock & Doak. 
. Spring Mountain — Baker and Lybarger. 

Helmick — 0. Miller, Beck Bros. 

Mohawk Village — J. W. Given, W. Crago. 

New Castle— J. S. McYey, W. Butler. 

Walhonding — L. F. McVey. 

Bast Union — Dr. Ralston, J. W. Allen. 

West Bedford — Thomas Jones. 

West Carlisle — Thomas W. Thompson, Lewis Y. Cox, 
Perry White. 

Frew's Mills — D. G. Cooper. 

West Lafayette — T. Familton, Leggett & Beall. 

Orange — J. B. Peck & Co., J. Richmond & Son. 

Jacohsport — T. J. Piatt & Bro., Jonathan Wiggins, J. 
Hugh Johnston. 

Saddlery— T. P. Latham, D. Duling. 

Linton 31ills — T. J. McCartney, Johnston Maple. 

BANKING. 

The merchants of the earlier day received deposits, and 
settled any eastern claims in any wise arising against their 
customers. The first parties who undertook the business 
in regular way of selling eastern exchange, and doing a 
full deposit, discount, and exchange banking business, were 
W. K. Johnson & Co., about 1852. They operated at first 
in the rear room of those now occupied by J. G. Stewart, 
and then in the ofiice he occupies. After W. K. Johnson's 
death, the firm was J. K. Johnson & Co. (the company being 
John Johnson). After the latter's death, David and John 
H., sons of Joseph, were 'received into the firm, and the 
business was thus conducted until their removal to New 
York City, about the 1st of January, 1872. Since that 
time, the establishment is designated "Johnson's Bank" — 
John G. Stewart, proprietor. 

T. C. Ricketts started the second banking-house, about 
1855. He also organized the "First National Bank" in 
January, 1872 (commencing business March, 1872) — T. C. 
Ricketts, president, and Baxter Ricketts, cashier. In the 



112 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

winter of 1873-4, it was reorganized, Jackson Hay becom- 
ing president, Houston Hay vice-president, and H. C. Her- 
big cashier. Its original capital was $50,000 ; its present, 
$90,000. 

The Merchants' in 1838, and even later, put out their 
"scrip," and in 1861 the treasurer of Coshocton county 
gave out many " pieces of pasteboard " as money ; but this 
was the first bank of issue in the county. 

About 1856, the south room in the frame building on 
Second street, next north of B. Shaw's china and glass 
store, had over it the sign " Bank," and was the head- 
quarters of one who afterward became quite famous in 
certain monetary transactions — i. e. James M. Brown. 

In August, 1868, the " Coshocton Savings and Building 
Loan Association " was incorporated. Its directors have 
been F. E. Barney, James M. Burt, Wm. E. Hunt, Hiram 
Beall, Thomas Campbell, T. C. Ricketts, E. T. Spangler, J. 
B. Ingraham, J. G. Stewart, D. L. Triplett, H. Hay, J. C. 
Pomerene, and J. S. "Wilson. J. W. Cassingham was sec- 
retary through all its history. J. M. Burt, J. G. Stewart, 
and D. L. Triplett have served as president, and T. C. 
Ricketts and J. G. Stewart as treasurer. It practically 
discontinued business in 1875, having at that time, by 
installments of stock and profits, nearly §100,000 of assets, 
which were paid out to the stockholders. 

TAVERN-KEEPERS. 

One of the most prominent features of a country is the 
public house or tavern, and no proper sketch of a region 
or people can ignore this feature. For some years Charles 
Williams was the only man in the county holding himself 
out in the capacity of landlord, or having business enough 
to warrant the taking out of a license. In the earlier days 
travelers expected and received entertainment at almost 
any house where they pleased to stop. Hospitality was 
the pride of the whole people, and those agreeing to sup- 
ply the travelers' wants were not niggardly in doing so. 
The appliances were sometimes of a rude sort ; but the 



Merchandizing^ Banking, Tavern-keefing, etc. 113 

fare was good and the welcome hearty, if the latch-string 
were out at all. 

Illustrative of the primitive way they had in those days 
of entertaining travelers, the cheapness of the viands, and 
the anxiety of the early settlers to treat strangers well, we 
reproduce from Mr. Melishe's journal* his account of a scene 
between himself and a landlady: "When near Coshocton, 
I stopped for breakfast at a small roadside tavern. I was 
anxious to be gone as soon as possible, and nrged the land- 
lady to make all the haste she could. She said she would 
have the breakfast ready in a minute ; but the first indica- 
tion I saw of dispatch was a preparation to twist the necks 
of two chickens. I told her to stop, and she gave me a 
look of astonishment. ' Have you any eggs ? ' said I. ' Yes, 
plenty,' replied she, still keeping in a sitting posture, with 
the chicken in her hand. ' Well,' said I, 'just boil an ^^g^ 
and let me have it. wnth a little bread and tea, and that will 
save you and I a deal of trouble.' She seemed quite em- 
barrassed, and said she never could set down a breakfast to 
me like that. I assured her I would take nothing else. 
' Shall I fry some ham for you along with the eggs ? ' said 
she. ' No,' said I ; ' not a bit.' ' Well, will you take a 
little stewed pork?' ' InTo.' 'Shall I make some fritters 
for you ? ' ' No.' ' Preserve me, what will you take, then V 
' A little bread and tea, and an ^gg.^ ' Well, you're the 
most extraordinary man that I ever saw ; but I can't sit 
down to a table that way.' So I allowed her to take her 
own way, assuring her I would take mine as to eating. 
She detained me about half an hour, and at last placed 
upon the table a profusion of ham, eggs, fritters, bread and 
butter, and some excellent tea. All the time I was at 
breakfast she kept pressing me to eat; but I kept my own 
counsel, and touched none of the dishes except the bread, 
the tea, and an Qgg. She aft'ected great surprise, and when 
I paid her the ordinary fare, a quarter of a dollar, she said 
she didn't w^ant to take anything." 

A man once told how he had traveled from Wheeling to 

* Written in 1816. 



114 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Knox county, passing through Coshocton, on a silver shil- 
ling. Selecting his house, he -would ask for entertainment, 
and, when about to leave, state that he had only this shil- 
ling, producing it, and that it was invariably refused. 

An invariable attendant of the early tavern was " the 
bar," with its decanters and glasses arranged on a shelf 
behind the counter. The great glory of the tavern was 
"the ball." A gentleman happened at old Charley Will- 
iams' at the time of the usual " court week " dance, and 
nearly fifty years after gave a graphic, inimitable account 
of the aifair. Becoming at length tired of the revel, he 
stole away to his bed, but in a little time two of the party 
came up to him. "When on the landing of the stairs, com- 
ing down in obedience to their behests, he shrewdly put 
the candle out, and, slipping past them, got into a nook, 
where he rested, if not sleeping, until the next morning. 
The host, as well as the guests, was decidedly festive that 
night ; but the next day he apologized to his stranger guest, 
and blamed the frolic on " them Zanesville lawyers." 

Among the more famous keepers of public houses, besides 
Williams, were Wilson McGowan, Benjamin Ricketts, B. 
R. Shaw, Samuel Morrison, J. C. Maginity, in Coshocton ; 
Theophilus Phillips, and Barcus and Mrs. li. Johnston, 
of Roscoe ; B. Magness, of Linton township ; Moses Mor- 
gan and P. Wolf, of Oxford township; Robert Farwell, in 
Keene ; Joseph Butler, in New Castle ; Stryker Morgan, 
three miles east of Coshocton ; Augustine White, of West 
Carlisle ; F. A. Stafibrd, in Virginia township ; Moses L. 
Neal, Coshocton ; Ellis D. Jones, tirst in Roscoe, then in Cosh- 
octon ; and Wm. Tidball, who was the first keeper of what 
is now the City Hotel, and had before taking that won a 
reputation up in Clark township. W. H. II. Price is now 
growing gray in the business. 

TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS. 

Doubtless the citizens of Coshocton county best known 
in direct connection with the transportation business on the 
canal were Captain Isaac Evans and Captain Wm. Mor- 
rison, both with good reputations; the former dead, the 



Merchandizing^ Banking, Tavern-kee-ping, etc. 115 

latter still living in the county. Neither this sort of work 
nor the stage-coach business ever seems to have had a large 
place among Coshocton county interests. Among '' the 
drivers " there were possibly some whose experiences would 
be freighted with romantic interest were they set out ; but 
they are, if recorded at all, in some tablet of memory now 
moss-grown and illegible. 

Above the general surface there rises the history of the 
canal-driver boy, who afterward was governor of Iowa — 
Wm. Stone — originally from the State of New York, but 
spending his boyhood and young manhood in Coshocton. 

A good many " bare-foot Bills," both in and out of 
Coshocton county, have gotten well on in the world. For 
the comfort and encouragement of the present generation 
let it be recorded. 



ii6 Historical Collections of Coshocto7i County. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

PHYSICIAN'S — STATISTICS AS TO HEALTHKULXESS OF COUNTY — PIONEER MEDI- 
CAL REMEDIES. 

There is record evidence to show that, in all, not fewer 
than a hundred and sixty persons have practiced medicine 
in Coshocton county. With the exception of some twelve 
or fifteen, these have all been " regulars." 

The first resident ph3'sician was Dr. Samuel Lee. His 
biography is given elsewhere in this volume. A ride of 
twenty miles was in his practice a common occurrence, 
and for consultation he went to Mansfield, in Richland 
county. His active practice covered more than forty years. 

The next physician who seems to have made his mark 
distinctly enough to be readily traced was Dr. Hiram 
"Wright. He w^as a Canadian, coming to Coshocton di- 
rectly from Western l!s"ew York. He remained in the 
county until about 1831, when he removed to Knox county, 
and not long thereafter died. 

In 1831 the physicians of the county were S. Lee, Lewis 
Colby, Thomas Heslip, William Emerson, Jared Cone, G. 
R. Morton, Benjamin Hill, and E. G. Lee. Of Dr. S. Lee 
information is given above and elsewhere. 

Dr. Benjamin Hill came to Keene township in 1824 from 
Cheshire county, N. II. Though y^v^^ young, he had been 
in the Revolutionary war in its last year as an assistant to 
an army surgeon. He was quite eccentric, as people 
judged ; rough in speech, but kind of heart, and especially 
tender toward the brute creation, horses, dogs, cats, etc. 
His medical hobby was that all diseases were produced by 
miasmatic influence. His wife died about 1834, and he re- 
turned to x^ew England, and died soon after. 

Lewis Colby was a well-educated physician, coming, it is 
understood, from Vermont to Keene about 1828. In a few 
years he went to Louisiana, and there died after a brief pe- 
riod of practice. 



Physicians,^ etc. 117 

Thomas Heslip was of the well-known Linton township 
family by that name, and he practiced for a time near Ja- 
cobsport. 

William Emerson read medicine with Dr. Lee, and, after 
attending lectures in Cincinnati, practiced in connection 
with him, having his residence and office in Koscoe. That 
was about 1828. He was a promising young man. Died 
of pneumonia in 1833. 

Jared Cone was at West Carlisle about 1828 ; practiced 
there some years, and then went to Dresden, whence he re- 
moved to Missouri. 

Dr. E. G. Lee was at East Union, one of the two towns 
united under that name having been laid out by him. He 
came from Knox county, and went back there after some 
years. 

George R. Morton was at Coshocton ; came from Norris- 
town, Pa., about 1830; about 1835 he removed to San- 
dusky city, and there died a few years since. 

With the vast throng coming into the county from 1830 
to 1845, there was a due proportion of those proposing to 
practice the healing art. Some of these did not abide very 
long, and others did not acquire a very extensive practice, 
and were chiefly occupied with other pursuits. Among 
these may be mentioned, as pertaining to the earlier day, 
Henry Miller, afterward so distinguished in business circles 
in Columbus, who practiced medicine for a short time at 
Warsaw, as also his brother Jonathan, afterward of Frank- 
lin county ; or A. T. Walling, now^ Congressman from the 
capital district. Or of still later day, Dr. E. Cone, of 
Washington township, afterward a M. E. preacher, and who 
recently reported himself as " grower of peaches and ap- 
ples on sheep lands." Or, in still more recent times, Dr. 
B. C. Blackburn, who was for a time a merchant, and sub- 
sequently a farmer, and has even taken somewhat to poli- 
tics, representing the county in the legislature. And, by 
the way, the doctors seem to have been in favor in this 
matter, the county having sent to the legislature Dr. S. Lee, 
Dr. Williams, Dr. Stanton, Dr. Cass, Dr. Fellows, and Dr. 
Blackburn. 



ii8 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Among the physicians who, by long residence and prom- 
inence in their profession, are worthy of notice, in addition 
to those alread}^ named, may be mentioned Dr. Willetts, for 
many years at New Castle ; Dr. Delamater, who removed 
to Indiana, and there died in 1874; Dr. Barger, of New 
Castle, who was killed by the explosion of a boiler of a 
steamboat at Louisville, Ky., while on a trip to the west in 
1843; Dr. James, who removed from the connty about 
1846 ; the Madisons, both dead ; Silas Sapp (brother of 
Enoch), who removed to Indiana, and there died in 1870; 
R. R. Simmons (brother of John T.), removed to Harrison 
county about 1860; I. N. Fellows, who died in 1869 ; L. 
Howard, who met with his death in Keene at the time of 
receiving a blow at the hand of his brother-in-law, who was 
convicted of manslaughter about 1859. 

The veteran physician of the county, at this writing, is 
Dr. Maro Johnston, of Roscoe. He is a native of the 
county, and studied with Dr. Samuel Lee, of Coshocton ; 
attended lectures at Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati ; 
commenced practice in Roscoe in June, 1833; uninterrupt- 
edly in practice. 

Heslip Williams, native of Guernsey county, where he 
studied and practiced for a time, commenced practice at 
Jacobsport in 1835^; was in legislature; otherwise steadily 
in practice.* 

Josiah Harris, from Maryland, graduated in the medical 
department of the University of Maryland ; came to Cosh- 
octon county in 1837; practiced in Roscoe until 1840, and 
then removed to Coshocton. 

"William Stanton, native of Hartford county, Ct. ; studied 
with Dr. Sears, of Albany, N. Y. ; came to Coshocton 
county in May, 1838 ; was at West Bedford five years, and 
then removed to Warsaw. He gave up practicing in 1849, 
and has since given attention to farming, merchandising, 
etc. He removed to Coshocton in 1808. 

George Day, native of Jefferson county; came in 1839 
to Oxford township, where he still resides ; attended one 

* Died August 6, 1876 (while these sketches were passing through 
the press), of heart disease, aged sixty years. 



Physicians, etc. 119 



course of medical lectures at Oliio Medical College, Cincin- 
nati. 

A. L. Cass, from Muskingum county, studied with his 
relative, Dr. John Andrews, of Steubcnville ; graduated at 
the University of New York; came to Coshocton county in 
1842; and with ])rief exception, while in the State Senate, 
practiced uiiinterrui)tedly until the summer of 1874. At 
that time he was prostrated by disease, and has not yet re- 
sumed practice. At this writing he is residing at Pitts- 
burg. 

W. II. Vickars, of Muskingum county, studied with Dr. 
Watkins ; commenced practice at Otsego about 1840 ; re- 
moved to Coshocton county (Jacobsport) in 1845 ; and there 
died in 1873. 

J. B. Irigraham, a native of Harrison county, Virginia, 
studied with Dr. Carpenter, of Athens, Ohio ; attended 
lectures at Starling Medical College in Columbus ; came ±0 
Linton township in 1848 ; removed to Coshocton in 1864 ; 
uninterruptedly in practice. 

David Lawson studied with Dr. Russell, of Mt. Vernon, 
and commenced practice in 1849 ; lately in drug-store at 
Warsaw. 

Samuel McElwee, native of New Jersey, studied chiefly 
with Dr. A. McElwee ; holds diploma of Cleveland Medical 
College; commenced practice in 1849 at New Castle; and 
has been there ever since. 

E. Safip, native of Knox county, studied with Dr. Ilouts, 
of Danville, and came to Coshocton in 1850. For a few 
years he gave special attention to dentistry. 

David McElwee studied with his brother, S. McElwee; 
established at East Union. 

N. Black man, of Warsaw, studied with Dr. Barnes, of 
West Bedford. 

John Anderson, native of Guernsey county, read with 
Dr. Kortz ; commenced practice in the fall of 1848 at Port 
Washington, Tuscarawas county ; then in Keene, Coshoc- 
ton county. lie came to Coshocton in 1868, and lias since 
been engaged in the drug and book business. 



I20 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

S. H. Lee, native of Coshocton, studied with his father, 
Dr. S. Lee ; commenced practice at Canal Dover, Tusca- 
rawas county ; practiced from 1849 to 1856, at -Peru, Lidi- 
ana ; then returned to Coshocton ; was surgeon in Ohio 
Volunteer Lifantry in 1862, 1863, and 1864. He gave up 
practice in 1865, and has since been engaged in the drug 
business. 

J. T. Edwards, native of the county, read with Dr. Rus- 
sell, of Mt. Vernon ; graduated at University of ]!Tew York 
in 1857 ; and has since been in practice at West Carlisle. 

In addition to those indicated in the foreo:oino: list as 
still in practice, the following others maybe named : J. "W. 
Wright, J. W. Brady, J. C. Brower, W. C. Frew (native of 
county), at Coshocton ; John C. Davis, at Orange ; Wm. 
Bancroft and A. H. Garber, at Jacobsport ; W. H. Wil- 
liams and A. J. Hughes, at West Lafayette ; B. W. Chap- 
man and E. P. Stuart, at Bakersville ; Peter Lenhart, 
Chedister, and Volz, at Chili ; M. J. Love (native of 
county), at Keene ; S. M. Carr and Beach, at Clarks ; John 
Moore (native of county) and X. Calhoun, at Warsaw ; J. 

W. Winslow, at Spring Mountain ; , at West 

Bedford ; Wm. Smith (native of county), at West Carlisle; 
A. M. Henderson, at Frew's Mills ; J. M, Smith (native of 
county), at Canal Louisville ; T. Ralston, at East L^nion. 

A county Medical Society was formed about 1855, hold- 
ing meetings at intervals until about 1867, when the or- 
ganization was practically abandoned. Laider the State 
Constitution prior to 1851, the county authorities assessed 
a specific tax upon the physicians practicing in the county, 
running from three to five dollars per year. 

Lest some readers might conclude from the number of 
physicians who have been in Coshocton county, that it was 
an unusually sickly region of country, it may be well to 
state that the statistics for many years show an average 
death-rate of one to everyone hundred and thirty-three in- 
habitants per year. In 1874, when the population of the 
county was about twenty-four thousand, the deaths reported 
were one hundred and seventy-seven. 



Physicians, etc. I2i 



From 1840, on for a number of years, a traveling dentist 
occasionally visited Coshocton. The poor fellow finished 
his course about 1858 by hanging himself (while in a de- 
pressed condition of mind, produced by discouragement in 
business and hard drinking) in a stable then standing in 
rear of the " Central House." The first resident dentist 
was Dr. E. Sapp, Pie was succeeded by Disney & Moflitt. 
Dr. Jacobs next undertook this work. Disney & Motfitt 
were succeeded by Finlay and Wernett, and Jacobs by Dr. 
Wait. 

Among the more notable practicers of the so-called " ir- 
regular " schools of medicine, have been Dr. Alexander 
McGowan, of the " Thompsonians ;" Dr. Martin Roberts, 
who learned his " arts of healing " from the Indians in 
Western JSTew York ; Drs. "Wilson, Walling, Waddell, and 
Farquhar, of the " Uriscopians ;" Drs. Yon Ruedegish, 
Alder, and Burr, of the " Eclectics." 

The first Homeopathic physician to settle in the county 
was Dr. W. W. Smith, who came to Coshocton just after 
the war of 1861-5. He removed to Pennsylvania in 1874. 

At this writing Dr. N. M. Shurick represents that school, 
having commenced practice in 1875. 

The medical remedies in the days of the first settlers, 
ere the doctors had come around, may have some interest 
for some j^oung readers. The diseases of children were 
nearly all ascribed to worms. For the expulsion of these- 
a solution of salt was given, or some scrapings of pewter 
spoons, or some copperas gathered near coal-bank runs. 

A very general remedy for burns, swellings, etc., was a 
corn-poultice, made of pounded corn. Poultices of scraped 
potatoes or raw turnips and slippery-elm bark Avere often 
used. For the croup (called the bold hives) the juice of 
roasted onions or garlic was given. For fevers a tea of 
snake-root. The itch, which was very common, was 
cured by an application of brimstone and lard. Rheu- 
matism, and swellings generally, were treated with oil of 
rattle-snakes, bears, geese, coons, ground-hogs, and pole- 
cats. White walnut-bark tea was a great favorite. If it 



122 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

was intended for an emetic the bark must be stripped up 
the tree ; if for a purge, down. Some had great faith in 
charms. The erysipelas, or St. Anthony's fire, could, as 
some believed, be cured by circumscribing it by the blood 
of a black cat, etc. 



Newsfa-pers . 123 



CHAPTER XV. 



NEWSPAPERS. 



The old citizens tell how they and their cotemporaries 
used to watch for the arrival of the stage from Zanesville 
bringing the Weekly llessenger. Wm. N, Johnson and 
other young store-clerks of that day read themselves hoarse 
for the edilication of the customers and loafers, a number 
of whom were not very good readers, and then, besides, a 
paper would thus go farther. APresident's message, only 
four days from Washington, was a wonderful thing. 

One Dr. Maxwell (who, besides printing the paper, had 
on sale in the office " Godfrey's cordial," " Bateman's 
drops," etc.) is credited with having started the iirst paper 
in Coshocton county — the Coshocton Spy — in the latter 
part of 1825. It was a sheet twelve inches by eighteen, 
issued with much irregularity. The concern, after a brief 
career, was turned over to John Frew, who had furnished 
supplies from his store for some time. Maxwell went to 
Mount Vernon, and, in consequence of criminal charges, 
subsequently fled the country, and the paper was put in 
charge (as foreman) of one O'Hara, Frew being still the 
publisher, and steadily paying a little for this honor. 
O'Hara at length fell a victim to delirium tremens, and 
Burkit E. Drone became the editor and printer, having also 
a half interest in the ownership of the paper. After a 
time, Joseph Medill, afterward famed in Cleveland, and still 
later and more largely in Chicago, as editor of the Tri- 
hune and mayor of the city, became associated with the 
paper. The name of the paper at that time was the 
Democratic Whig. Drone went to Cincinnati, and Me- 
dill also removed, and the paper became the property of H. 
Guild, who at length suspended publication, as some of his 
predecessors had done. The name at that time was The 
Republican. After some time the office became the prop- 



124 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

erty of R. W. Burt (now in the internal revenue service at 
Peoria, Illinois). How lie got it and what he did with it 
we let him tell : 

" In August, 1853, Mr. H. Guild, the editor and proprietor 
of the old Whig newspaper in Coshocton called on me and 
desired to sell me his interest in it. He had ceased its pub- 
lication two or three months previously, having lost hope 
in its success. I told him I was not a Wliig, had been a 
Democrat, but was now a Freesoiler; that my party in 
Coshocton county only included about fifty jjeople, and that 
I saw little or no prospect of establishing a paper in ad- 
vocacy of my own principles. I also distrusted my ability 
to do justice to my own cause, never having had an}- ex- 
perience as editor, nor even as a printer. I gave him no 
encouragement, and he went away. But in truth he had 
awakened a desire in my mind to engage in the work of 
publicly advocating my principles, which I believed would 
finally triumph. I thought over the matter, talked with 
my father and some leading "Whigs and independent Dem- 
ocrats, and finally embarked in the enterprise. I was as- 
sisted greatly by Hon. James Matthews, and his brother-in- 
law, Thomas W. Flagg, was taken in as associate editor. 
I called the paper the Progressive Age. The first num- 
ber was published in September, 1853, and was outspoken 
on the subject of slavery extension and the fugitive slave 
law, and strongly advocated the cause of temperance. Wm. 
A. Johnston was foreman in the printing oflice. I sent 
the paper to all the old subscribers of the Whig paper, and 
also to all the Democrats whose names I could get. I soon 
found plenty of papers returned ' not taken out of the post- 
office.' In two months, however, after my first issue, I had 
onl}- about two hundred and fifty subscribers, but I did not 
get discouraged. In a few months, by most persistent 
efforts, my subscription-list was greatly enlarged, and i\X 
the end of a year it had reached seven hundred. The fol- 
lowing year the Age took part in the formation of the 
Republican party, and the new party having succeeded in 
electing nearl}' all their candidates for county offices, the 
Age came in for a share of the public printing, which 



News-pa-pers • 125 

gave it a firmer footing. I continued the publication about 
three years, and the Republican party was in power in the 
county when I sold the paper to A. R. Hillyer, who pub- 
lished it about a year, and then sold it to J. W. Dwyer. I 
assisted Dwyer about a year, and tben left the county." 

J. VV. Dwyer succeeded Hillyer, making out of the paper 
very little direct pecuniary gain. He left it to take office 
in the treasury department under S. P. Chase. 

Asa L. Harris, from Columbus, became the proprietor of 
the paper in 1861. He changed the name from Progressive 
Age to Coshocton Age. About the close of the war, Harris 
went to Georgia to become postmaster of Augusta (having 
served in like capacity in Coshocton) ; and the paper, after 
being run for a time by J. W. Dwyer and W. A. Johnston, 
became, in 1866, the property of its present publisher, T. 
W. Collier, who had resided in Cadiz and New Philadel- 
phia, and had been in service as adjutant of the Eightieth 
Regiment, 0. V. I. The present circulation of the paper 
is reported at 1,200 copies. 

In 1831 John Meredith began the publication of a paper 
at East Union, Perry township. It was called the Castle of 
Liberty. In 1832 it was removed to Coshocton, and was 
published until after the presidential election in that year, 
when it was discontinued. It advocated Democratic prin- 
ciples and the re-election of General Jackson to the presi- 
dency. James Matthews assisted in the editorial depart- 
ment for a time. 

About 1836 the publication of a Democratic paper, called 
the Western Horizon, was begun at Coshocton. Wm. G. 
Williams, then county treasurer, was the proprietor, and 
Russell C. Bryan the editor. For a time John Oliver man- 
aged the paper. Subsequently Messrs. "Weeks, Wagstaff, 
T. W. Flagg, and Chauncey Bassett were connected with 
it. In 1840 its publishers were Flagg & Bassett. It was 
then about half the size of the Democrat of to-day, and 
bore that name. About 1845 A. W. Avery, who had been 
a minister of the M. P. Church in Coshocton, was its ed- 
itor. He removed to Illinois. In the fall of 1850, A. T. 
Walling, now member of Congress from the Columbus dis- 



126 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

trict, was editor and publisher of the paper. In 1853 Rich 
and Wheaton were publishing it. In the spring of 1856, 
Asa G. Dimmock, who had edited the Cadiz Sentinel and 
the Cosmopolite at Millersburgh, and had just finished his 
service as warden of the Ohio Penitentiar}', became editor 
and publisher. When nominated for prosecuting attorney 
in 1862, he disposed of the paper to A. McNeal, a young 
man from Bethlehem township, who had just served as 
county recorder. He was drowned while fishing in the 
Tuscarawas river, a few miles above Coshocton, in August, 
1862. Wash. C. Wolfe ran the paper from MclSTeal's death 
until after the election, when Dimmock resumed, and soon 
thereafter (November, 1862) J. McGonagle, formerly of the 
Cadiz Sentinel, became a partner with Dimmock, and con- 
tinued for some two years. He removed to Shelby, 0. In 
the spring of 1866, the present publisher, John C. Fisher, 
of Muskingum county, who had been connected with the 
Newark Advocate, became a partner with Dimmock. The 
health of the latter was at that time seriously broken. He 
spent the most of the summer in visiting among friends, 
and died that fall at the home of his brother, in Montrose, 
Pa., and Fisher became the proprietor and editor of the 
paper, continuing as such unto this writing, except that 
during Mr. Fisher's absence in the State Senate it was 
edited by W. R. Gault and other temporary editors, and 
'that during the summer of 1875, for a few months, W. C. 
Brovvnlee (now of Chillicothe) was associated with him. 
It is understood that in its earlier historj^ the paper fre- 
quently required the help of its party friends, and none 
of its numerous publishers have been able to retire with a 
large fortune. Its appliances are better now than in any 
past period of its history. Its circulation is reported at 
1,000 copies. 

For a couple of years (1849 and '50), a paper, called the 
Practical Preacher, was published some months, at Coshoc- 
ton, by Rev. Mr. Wirick, then residing at Jacobsport, 
who was the Methodist preacher on the circuit.* He 

* Beside sermons, the paper contained communications of literary 
and miscellaneous sort. Among these were a few sketches of the 



News-pafers . 127 

had been a printer before becoming a minister. Rev. Mr. 
Calhoun and other ministers furnished matter for publica- 
tion. It was printed in the Age office — did not thrive — 
was short-lived. 

H. C. Beach and Beach & Elliott, about 1870, and again 
in 1874, published for brief periods an independent and 
literary paper. 

At least two ladies of Coshocton — Mrs. E. W. James and 
Mrs. E. T. Spangler — have made some reputation as paper 
and magazine writers. The latter is also the author of a 
book, the Physician'' s Wife. 

Mrs. Louise Morrison Hankins — a Coshocton-born lady, 
now of New York City — has achieved considerable fame 
as a magazine and book writer. 

history of Coshocton, partly historical and partly "bar-room stories." 
The writer of these, in a recent letter, says that the historical matter, 
then published in the Preacher, is found in Howes Historical Collections 
of Ohio, Doddridge's Notes, and other readily accessible publications. 



128 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



SCHOOL MATTERS. 



School matters did not receive much attention nor attain 
any noticeable prominence for man}- years after the organ- 
ization of the county. The demands of pioneer Hfe were, 
as is common!}' the case, too heavy in other directions to 
allow of as much time or means for these things as they 
might in other conditions receive. But there was not 
much disposition on the part of many to create or improve 
facilities. There was some study and very earnest eftbrts 
on the part of individuals to get something of " book 
learning," and a very marked individual proficiency in 
the three great underlying primarily utilitarian attain- 
ments of reading, writing, and cyphering; but practically 
no schools before 1820. About that time, the policy of 
the State was thoroughly settled and well shaped, and 
stimulated what of interest there was in localities. The 
Congress of the United States, in 1803, had granted to the 
State the one-thirty-sixth of all the lands in the United 
States Militar}' District for the use of schools in the same, 
and the Legislature provided for the leasing thereof. But 
these leases yielded little or no revenue beyond the expense 
of managing them, and in 1827 they were sold, and the 
proceeds taken as a loan by the State (now a part of the 
irreducible debt), with the agreement to pay to schools six 
per cent, interest on the amount annually. These lands in 
Coshocton county were appraised by James Kobinson and 
Richard Fowler, and staked out by James Raven scraft. 
The sale of them was superintended at first by Samuel 
Rea. Afterward James Hay was appointed for this work, 
and he declining, Robert Hay was designated. The sum 
paid to the county from this fund has been for many years 
about $800. 

lu 1821 school districts (school affairs having been hith- 



School Matters. 129 



erto in the hands of township trustees, and almost wholly 
dependent upon voluntary efforts) were fully arranged for, 
and the householders in such districts were authorized to 
select a school committee and a collector and treasurer, and 
the committee was authorized to receive donations of sites 
for huilding, and to assess taxes on their district, as also to 
receive from the township the rents of the school lands. 

In 1825 a school tax was directed to be raised in every 
county, and yet more complete and practicable arrange- 
ments as to districts and directors were made. On certain 
conditions a tax, not exceeding in amount $300, could be 
levied for building a school-house. Rate (or tuition) bills 
could be arranged for and relied on where the tax was 
insufficient. 

Under these provisions, " Dr. S. Lee and his associates," 
being householders of the district, got from the county 
commissioners the privilege of erecting a brick school- 
house (20 by 20) on the southwest quarter of the square, 
in 1828, Before that, a room in a private house was used. 
At a few points in the county, family and neighborhood 
schools of small proportions were carried on for a few of 
the winter months. 

In Coshocton, James Madden, from Virginia, crippled as 
to one hand, gave instruction in the ''elements," especially 
in writing, in which he was a "proficient."* Then it was, 
too, that Moses L. Keel,t a "Down-Easter" — a regular ge- 
nius — handled the ferule, and otherwise, especially by a 
remarkably fine penmanship, made his mark sufficiently 
plain to be read to this day. About the same time, David 
Grimm was teaching in Millcreek, and the father of Dr. 
M. Johnson in Keene township. 

Among the teachers of the earlier day were Wm. B. 
Hubbard, who subsequently went to Columbus, and be- 
came famed as a railroad " magnate ; " Noah H. Swayne, 
now Judge of the United States Supreme Court, and Chas. 

* He subsequently moved up the Tuscarawas to the Ravenscraft 
neighborhood, and taught for some time, 
f He subsequently kept a tavern in the town of Coshocton. 



130 Historical Collections of Coshocton Coufity. 

Elliott, afterward the famous Methodist minister and col- 
lege president. Out about West Carlisle, Robert McCormic 
was acquiring fame as a teacher; in Coshocton, Jackson 
was, after the approved methods of the time, training some 
of our now well-known citizens, and Thomas O'Neil was 
giving his j^outhful vigor to Keene and Lafayette town- 
ships. What stories of rude appliances and clumsy tricks 
of big incorrigible boys and of nice homespun girls the 
chronicles of that period do tell ! 

Under the law of 1825, there w^ere to be appointed in 
each county three school examiners, and in 1826 the Court 
of Common Pleas appointed for (^oshocton county Samuel 
Rea, Wm. Carhart, and Andrew Grim. A year or two after 
the law providing for a larger number, N. H. Swayne, Rob- 
ert Hay, Wm. Wright, Wm. Ilazlett, Henry Barnes, Wm. 
Carhart, and Samuel Rea were appointed. A few years 
later we find in this position T. S. Humrickhouse, Alex. 
McGowan, W- K. Johnson, James Matthews, Jos. Burns, 
and Dr. Geo. R. Morton ; and at a yet later day J. W. Rue, 
Bradley Squires, Richard Moode, Thomas Campbell, Wm. 
Sample, Dr. Josiah Harris, and Rev. H. Calhoun. 

The examiners could individually examine. One of them 
gives the following as illustrative of the examination then 
in vogue : A man who had been teaching for some time, 
came to his office. After hearing the applicant read a few 
lines, the examiner said : " What is that little mark ? " 
(pointing to a comma.) " Oh ! that's one of them there 
stops that you see in all books." Examiner. " Well, what 
is it for? or what does this particular one indicate?" Ap- 
plicant. " Why, it indicates a stop, of course ; they're all 
stops." Pressed with a few more questions, the applicant 
insisted on being tried in arithmetic, claiming that he was 
specially well qualified in that. Examiner. " Well, what is 
arithmetic?" Applicant. "Arithmetic! why, it's a book 
about figgers," etc. The man wrote a really fair hand, and 
was posted in practical arithmetic, and got a certificate. 
Grammar was not then required to be taught in the schools. 

From 1830 to 1850, the system inaugurated from 1820 to 



School Matters. 131 



1830 was not greatly modified by the Legislature, and was 
being more and more efficiently carried out, and more 
widely extended. Districts were multiplied with the rap- 
idly incoming population ; new school-houses were being 
built, and teachers were multiplied. The appliances were, 
even at the best, still rude ; methods mechanical. Dr. Harris, 
the veteran county school examiner, coming into the county 
about 1838, visited several schools accounted the best, and 
reports them as exceedingly limited in their range of study — 
the highest branch being geography — and crude in their 
methods. 

In the latter part of this period, say from 1840 to 1850, 
there was a growing conviction that thorough and extended 
scholarship had not been attained under the public school 
system as then ordered by law, and this fact and a higher 
sense of the importance of the religious element in educa- 
tion gave rise to a number of private schools and acade- 
mies. In this work at Coshocton were engaged Rev. E. 
Buckingham, and especially Rev. Addison Cotiey, both of 
the Presbyterian Church. The latter built quite a good 
brick house (now occupied by old lady Ricketts), with the 
view of making room for boarders, and had for his school- 
house the building now occupied by "W. R. Forker — both 
buildings being on south Fourth street. The Rev. Mr. 
Sturgis, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, started an 
academy at Keene. There was a good school at West Car- 
lisle, under Mr. Stevenson ; and an academ}^ at "West Bed- 
ford, which was very successful under W. R. Powers. 
About the same time, there was an academy at Van Buren 
(now Spring Mountain), in Monroe township, of which Dr. 
Haldeman had charge, and afterward Prof. Geo. Conant. 
This was under the control of a conference of the M. E. 
Church. The removal from the county of some of the 
gentlemen, especially Messrs. Buckingham, Cofi'ey, and 
Sturgis, involved the discontinuance of some of these in- 
stitutions, and others were less, or not at all, in demand, 
by reason of improvements in the public school system. 
The West Bedford Academy, as a combined private and 
public school, is still in operation. 



132 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Taking advantage of the " Akron law " (so called be- 
cause, as first passed, it had relation to the city of Akron, but 
it was afterward extended in its application), passed in 1849, 
the citizens of Coshocton proceeded to establish a graded 
school. Wm. K. Johnson, Joseph C. Maginity, J. G. Smith, 
Joseph Guinthur, and Jacob Waggoner, were chosen by the 
citizens as the board of education. The school examiners first 
appointed were Thomas Campbell, Wm. Sample, and Kev. 
II. Calhoun.* Wm. R. Powers, formerly of New York 
State, then of Utica, Ohio, was employed as superintend- 
ent, assisted in the higher department by Miss Sallie Elder 
(Mrs. Geo. Dewey). There were two primary schools, pre- 
sided over by Miss Araminta Bodelle (Mrs. H. N. Shaw) 
and Miss Caroline Stewart (Mrs. Samuel Denman). Soon 
a secondary school was started, and taught by Miss Elder, 
her place in the higher school being supplied by Miss Delia 
Roberts (Mrs. Houston Hay). 

The schools at that time held their sessions in a little 
frame school-house on the north school-house lot, and in the 
basement of the Methodist Episcopal and Second Presby- 
terian churches. The little brick school-house on the pub- 
lic square had become dilapidated, and, owing to the loca- 
tion, objection was made to repairing it.f Among the 
last teachers in it were Messrs. Alexander, Henrigh, James 
Irvine, and James Dryden. 

In 1853, it was determined to erect a suitable school- 
house. A considerable amount of feeling was manifested 
in regard to the location of it. Some were anxious to have 

*The following other gentlemen have served in this caijacity : T. S. 
Humrickhouse, Rev. P. H. Jacob, Dr. J. Harris, k. R. Ilillyer, J. C. 
Tidball, Rev. W. E. Hunt, John E. Irvine, Rev. C. AV. Wallace, M. 
C. McFarland, Rev. S. M. Hickman, J. C. Pomrene, J. R. Johnson, G. 
W. Cass. The board at present is : Dr. W. C. Frew, W. R. Gault, and 
W. S. Crowell, Esqs. 

f Kindred to this building was one with a tablet over the door, bear- 
ing the inscription, " Know thyself" about a mile southeast of Coshoc- 
ton, in the Orangeville district, where the Burts from Orange county, 
New York, and the Denmans and Condits, from Orange, New Jersey, 
.lived. It was torn down in 1872. 



School Matters. 133 



it erected 011 the quarter block (two original town-lots), at 
the northeast corner of Fourth and Main streets, fronting 
the public square. Others insisted upon placing it upon the 
square in the north end of the town, given by the original 
proprietors of the town for the purpose. The latter carried 
the day. The building (a two-story brick, thirty by eighty 
feet, with belfry, all in Grecian style of architecture) was 
finished in 1855. A. K. Milner, a merchant and general 
operator, took the contract at about $4,500. A small al- 
lowance was subsequently made, but it was claimed that 
he was out of pocket very largely, whether by proper cost 
or through want of management is disputed. The brick 
work was done by Henry Davis ; the carpenter work, 
etc., by George Hay. The bell was added six or eight 
years afterward — purchased by the fines paid in that year 
by violators of the liquor law. When this school-house was 
built, the board of education was composed of B. R.Shaw, 
J. C. Tidball, Jacob Waggoner, A. L. Cass, H. Cantwell, 
and Wm. Sample. 

The following names appear in the list of those serving 
in this capacity subsequently : John Frew, Thomas Camp- 
bell, H. jST. Shaw, James Dryden, J. G. Stewart, Henry 
Davis, W. H. Robinson, A. J. Wilkin, J. C. Pomrene, A. 
H. Spangler, D. F. Denman. The board at this time em- 
braces J. M. Compton, J. S. Wilson, H. N. Shaw, C. H. 
Johnston, Henry Davis, and W. W. Walker. 

To meet the demands by reason of the increased popula- 
tion, the board in 1871 erected a tw^o-story brick on the 
Denmead and Taylor lots, in John Burt's subdivision. H. 
Davis and Harrison Waff2:oner were the builders. 

In 1874, a small frame was erected on the north school- 
house lot, and the accommodations being still insuflicent, 
two primary schools were set up in a private house on Chest- 
nut street just east of the railroad. 

In 1876, an imposing three-story front addition was built 
on the Burt tract. The plans were furnished by Johnson* 
& Kremler, of Columbus, and the work done by the Cosh- 

* T. II. Johnson, of this firm, was born and reared in Coshocton. 



134 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

octon Planing Mill Company — the contract price being 
$10,885. 

W. R. Powers, as superintendent of " Coshocton Union 
School," was succeeded (removing to West Bedford) in 1854 
by W. A. McKee (now of Knoxville, Iowa), and he in 1857 
by T. Y. Milligan (now pastor of old Presbyterian church 
in Steubenville), and he in 1859 by John Giles (now of 
Springfield, Massachusetts), and he in fall of 1864 by C. 
Forney (now of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania), and he in 1868 
by Geo. Conant, the present principal. There are at this 
time ten assistant teachers. 

In 1870, the Presbyterian church of Coshocton made a 
proposition to give the frame church building for a school- 
house, and a strip of ground (now occupied by the parson- 
age) whereon to erect a boarding-house, to a board of trus- 
tees appointed by the session, but including representative 
members of other denominations, to the number of two- 
thirds of the board, if the community would assist in se- 
curing not less than $5,000, wherewith to erect the board- 
ing-house. Over $4,000 dollars were subscribed (all but 
$300) by members of the Presbyterian church, but the com- 
munity manifested so little interest in this movement to se- 
cure the " Coshocton Female College," that the church, after 
waiting a year, withdrew the proposition, and proceeded to 
erect a parsonage with the fund so far as it had been con- 
tributed within the church. 

A few years later. Rev. Mr. Lee, of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church, the president of an institution called the " One 
Study University," undertook to establish a branch or feeder 
of that university, under the name of" Coshocton College," 
but this effort also was quite abortive — the concern leading 
a feeble life for a year or so, and then passing away. 

Outside of the public schools at this writing the only 
work in this line being done is at Bloomfield, where Rev. 
T. D. Duncan, of the Presbyterian church, is conducting a 
small classical school, and by Rev. Mr. Nunemacher giving 
lessons in German to quite a large class.* 

* liev. Wm. E. Hunt has, during his twenty years' residence in Cosh- 
octon, given instruction in the classics to a number of scholars, and 



School Matters. 135 



The citizens of Roscoe, at a meeting held at the house 
of C. W. Simmons, on the 15th of March, 1851, voted, 
according to law, for a union school, and on the 29th of the 
same month elected the following board of education, viz : 
John Carhart, John Dodd, John Burns, James Hill, Maro 
Johnson, and Arnold Medberry. A month later a site for 
a school house was purchased for $250, and a contract was 
made with S. W. Brown, Dennis Chapin, and Samuel 
Hutchinson for the erection of a brick building, one story, 
to cost $2,450. When the building was completed some 
complaint was made as to the workmanship, and the price 
actually paid was $2,352. The board employed B. W. Lewis, 
of Ashland county, as principal, and H. Stephens and 
Charles Hoy were employed as assistant teachers, each to 
labor half the time. The board of examiners was com- 
posed of Dr. M. Johnson, James Hill, and James Le Retil- 
le3^ Mr. Lewis, after teaching two months, was compelled 
to resign on account of his health ; and, on his recom- 
mendation, Charles B. Shreve, of Massilon, was elected 
principal. He continued in that position until 1858. The 
principals since have been R. K. Smith, 1859-61 ; C. S. W. 
Griffith, 1861-62 ; M. Travis, 1862-63 ; S. Cox, 1863-64 ; A. 
W. Oder, 1865 ; R. Hogue, 1866 ; G. E. Campbell, 1866-69 ; 
W. Nicholas, 1869-70^ G. E. Campbell, 1870-72; T. Car- 
nahan, 1872 to present time. The assistant teachers, at 
this time, are Eliza Hutchinson and Juliet Gardiner. The 
present board of directors are Henry Carhart, J. C. Harri- 
son and Robert Dickerson. 

From 1865 to 1876, there has been much improvement 
in school buildings and appliances throughout the county. 
Besides the new school-houses in Coshocton, very creditable 
structures have been erected in a considerable number of 
localities, and these, and many of the older but still good 
houses, have been fitted up with the modern and attractive 
style of desks, etc. 

fitted for college the majorit}^ of those who have gone in that time. 
Among these last were J. R. Johnson, T. H. Johnson, P. S. Campbell, 
G. W. Cass, Joseph K. Cass, Miss Jennie Nicholas, Charles Ingraham. 



136 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

One of the neatest school-houses in the county, outside 
of Coshocton, is that at West Lafayette — a two-story brick, 
with belfry. It was built in 1873. T. H. Familton, Yelzer 
Shaw, and Lewis Leighninger, were at the time directors. 
Wm. Gorseline was at that time, and had been for a period 
before, in charge of the school. H. W. Harbaugh is, at 
this writing, in charge of it. 

There is also a very nice two-story frame building in Ja- 
cobsport, built in 1873. The directors, at the time, were L. 
Carhart, T. P. Latham, and Alonzo Sibley. The teachers, 
at present, are S. P. "Woodward and Miss Anna Johnson. 

In 1871, a good school-house was erected at "Warsaw. 
The directors then were N. Buckalew, Joseph Orr, and 
John Lenhart. John Crawford is the Centennial 3'ear prin- 
cipal of the school. There is a good school-house (two-story 
frame) at Keene, in which John M. Finley is " the pre- 
siding genius." The school-house at East Union is a good 
two-story frame. New Castle also has a very creditable 
building. 

The school-house at "West Carlisle, and the academies at 
Spring Mountain and West Carlisle, though not new build- 
ings, are all good and well fitted up — each being a frame 
two-story structure. Canal Lewisville has a neat brick 
school-house, and the district just east of Coshocton one — 
both recently built. 

The following statistics give a distinct view of the school 
affairs in the county for the year 1875: Number of school 
districts, 139 ; number of persons engaged in teaching 
during the year, 235; number of pupils enrolled, 7,692; 
average daily attendance, 3,839 ; amount paid for sites and 
buildings, $5,452 ; contingent expenses, $7,981 ; for teach- 
ers' wages, $39,280 ; average of teachers' wages per month, 
$40.00. 

The veteran school teachers of the county are M. D. 
Van Eman, of Bethlehem township, and James Magness, 
of Linton township. 

A complete list of those who have been engaged, in all 
the years past, in teaching, would embrace the names of 
very many hundreds of the excellent women and vigorous 



School Matters. 137 



men of the county. Of those who, at this writing, may be 
designated as teachers, not to repeat those ah-eady men- 
tioned, the following may be named as most acceptable and 
snccessfnl. Mrs. Conant, Mrs. Carnahan, Misses II. Hogle, 
Ida Pugh, S. Sample, Isa Campbell, Sallie Anderson, Tip 
Elliott, Ella Johnston, Pauline Weiser, Cassie Raymer, 
Rebecca J. Trego, Mary Gorham, Elizabeth Magness, Ellen 
Horn, Nora Crawford, Linda Lanning, Jennie M. Myser, 
Lyda Hutchins, Melissa Stonehocker, Kate Elliott, Eliza 
Hutchinson, Elizabeth L. Barnes, Eliza J. Creighton, Bell 
Sim})Son, E'annie Jones, Maggie S. Phillips, Sarah E. Bu- 
chanan, Juliet W. Gardner, Lucy Dodd, Charlotte Hogle 
Kate Boyd, and Emma Massa ; and Messrs. John "Wagner, 
S. P. Woodward, H. K. Knaval, J. M. Williams, W. K. 
Spencer, Jas. D. Phillips, H. S. Mulford, Edgar Carroll, 
Wm. C. Thomas, Sam'l A. Boyd, S. P. Snyder, J. F. My- 
ser, J. F. Hastings, F. M. Murphy, Lewis V. Cox, Geo. W, 
McDonald, J. B. Barcroft, Jas. S. Beall, Jas. P. Lawyer, C. 
C. Emerson, Wm. Qorsline, H. T. Wheeler, Wm. Fulks, 
Jno. W. Bell, Jacob Brewer, F. M. Ogilvie, 0. M. Seward, 
Geo. D. Hill, W. S. Kilpatriek, D. A. Barcroft, Jonathan 
Lenhart, Wilber G. Williams, Isaac Loder, and H. B. 
Barnes. 

Under the old law, the school examiners held their office 
for two years. The number for some time was at least two 
in each township, and the changes were frequent, so that 
the list would embrace scores of names. If a man, in 
those days, was not a school examiner, one of three things 
might be concluded — either he would not be bothered with 
the office, or he had not any noticeable literary attainments, 
or he was not politician enough to secure the appointment. 

Under the law (in force since 1851) vesting the appoint- 
ment in the probate judge, and providing for only three 
examiners for the county, the following is the list, with 
term of service : C. R. Shreve, teacher, 1851-59* ; John 
E. Irvine, teacher, 1851-54*; Wm. R. Powers, teacher, 
1851-56*; John T. Simmons, Esq., 1854-56; Rev. H. Cal- 
houn, 1856-58* ; Wm. A. McKee, teacher, 1854-58 ;* J.J. 



* Removed from county. 



138 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

McSuitt, 1856-60 ; Dr. Josiah Harris, 1858, still in office; 
M. C. McFarland, deputy county clerk, 1859-65 ; Rev. 
Wm. E. Hunt, 1860-74*; John M. Finley, teacher, 1865- 
76; W. S. Crowell, Esq., 1874; M. W. Wimmer, 1876, still 
in office. 

With the impulse given, teacher's institutes, under the 
auspices of the County Teachers' Association, were inaug- 
urated about 1852. By the state law a small amount could 
be drawn, for this work, from the county treasury-, upon 
the condition that a like amount be contributed by the 
teachers and friends of education. 

Probably the most enthusiastic friends of this undertak- 
ing, in its original form, were C. R. Shreve, principal of 
the Roscoe school, and Rev. H. Calhoun, and Dr. J. Harris, 
of Coshocton. After a few annual meetings — partly owing 
to the removal from the county of Mr. Shreve and Mr. 
Calhoun — the institute work was discontinued. Under the 
law setting aside, for this purpose, the fees paid by appli- 
cants for teachers' certificates, the institute was revived 
about 1865, and there has since been an annual effi^rt (and 
for one year, two) in that direction. Dr. J. Harris, AVm. 
E. Hunt, Prof. Geo. Conant and wife. Prof. T. Carnahan 
and wife, W. C. Thomas, Wm. Gorsline, W. Nicholas, R. 
Compton, Geo. Hill, Misses H. Hogle, and Ida Pugh have 
been officially and prominently connected with this work. 
The officers for 1876 are as follows : President, J. T. Moore ; 
Executive Committee, Wm. Gorsline, Thomas Carnahan, 
and Eph. Ellis ; Secretary, E. L. Retilley ; Treasurer, Ida 
A. Pugh. 

Among the instructors and lecturers engaged in connec- 
tion with this work have been Professors Tappan, Marsh, 
Kidd, Henkle, White, Mendenhall, Andrews, Williams, T. 
W. Harvey, Knisely, and other gentlemen, well known in 
connection with such matters, residing elsewhere than in 
Coshocton county. Prof. Conant and Mrs. Conant, Dr. J. 
Harris and Rev. Wm. E. Hunt, have also been employed 
in the capacity of instructors and lecturers. 

* Resigned. 



Military Affairs. 139 



CHAPTER XVII. 



MILITARY AFFAIRS. 



Military spirit has in all its history been largely mani- 
fested in Coshocton county. " Fighting blood " abounded 
among the early settlers. Nearly every neighborhood had 
its champion wrestler or fighter. Personal combats were 
frequent — often accounted a fitting close for every public 
day, ranking along with horse-racing and rifle-shooting. 
Pages could be written showing the strength and prowess 
of some of the old-time heroes, especially as detailed by 
some of their boon companions. At a term of court held 
in 1813, twelve indictments were found "for fighting at 
fisticufi:s by agreement," including one against the sherifl:' 
of the county. In these appear the even yet well known 
names, Yan Kirk, Markley, Hill, Cantwell, "Williams, Cain, 
Roderick, Newcum, and Clark. 

A citizen, coming in some fifteen years later, details how 
he frequently heard little companies of men quietly talk- 
ing together and discussing the question as to who was 
"the best man." And upon the facts coming out it would 
always appear that this phrase did not denote the man of 
mind, and heart, and good character, but the man of mus- 
cle — the brawniest, bulliest fellow ! 

The " musters " were the big occasions, brightening the 
eyes of citizens generally, and aflEbrding a fine field for am- 
bition, and producing a large crop of Majors, Colonels, and 
Generals. Thus came Generals Johnston, Burns, Mere- 
dith, Workman, etc.; Colonels Swigert, Ferguson, Ravens- 
craft, etc.; and Majors Frew, Robinson, etc. Much might 
be written presenting the tamer or the more ludicrous as- 
pects of the "corn-stalk" musters, and trainings, and drill- 
ings of the " citizen soldiery." But these things were in 
nowise peculiar to Coshocton county, and all the old chron- 
iclers tell of them. 



140 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Tom Corwin once pictured* the militia general and the 
parade as follows : 

" We all in fancy now see the gentleman in that most 
dangerous and glorious event in the life of a militia gen- 
eral on the peace establishment — a parade day ! The day 
for which all other da3's of his life seem to have been made. 
We can see the troops in motion — umbrellas, hoe and axe- 
handles, and other like deadly implements of war over- 
shadowing all the field — when, lo ! the leader of the host 
approaches ; ' far off his coming shines.' His plume white, 
after the fashion of the great Bourbon, is of ample length, 
and reads its doleful history in the bereaved necks and 
bosoms of forty neighboring hen-roosts ! Like the great 
Suwaroft", he seems somewhat careless in forms and points 
of dress ; hence his epaulettes may be on his shoulders, 
back, or sides, but still gleaming, gloriously gleaming in 
the sun. Mounted he is, too, let it not be forgotten. Need 
I describe to the colonels and generals of this honorable 
house the steed which heroes bestride on such occasions ? 
No, I see the memory of other days is with you. You see 
before you the gentleman from Michigan, mounted on his 
crop-eared, bushy-tailed mare, the singular obliquities of 
whose hinder limbs are described in that most expressive 
phrase, 'sickle hams;' her height just fourteen hands, 
* all told.' Yes, sir ; there you see his ' steed that laughs at 
the shaking of the spear ; ' that is, his ' war-horse whose 
neck is clothed with thunder.' Mr. Speaker, we have glow- 
ing descriptions in history of Alexander the Great and his 
war-horse, Bucephalus, at the head of the invincible Mace- 
donian phalanx ; but, sir, such are the improvements of 
modern times, that every one must see that our militia gen- 
eral, with his crop-eared mare with bushy tail and sickle 
ham, would literally frighten off a battlefield a hundred 
Alexanders. But, sir, to the history of the parade day. 
The general, thus mounted and equipped, is in the field 

*In a speech in the House of Representatives, February 14, 1840, 
in answer to Hon. Isaac E. Crary, of Michigan. Corwin several times 
spoke at Coshocton — the last time in 18G0. 



Military Affairs. 141 



and ready for action. On the eve of some desperate enter- 
prise, such as giving order to shoulder arms, it may be, 
there occurs a crisis — one of the accidents of war which 
no sagacity could foresee or prevent. A cloud arises and 
passes over the sun ! Here an occasion occurs for the dis- 
play of that greatest of all traits in the character of a com- 
mander — that tact which enables him to seize upon and 
turn to good account events unlooked for as they arise. 
ITow for the caution wherewith the Eoman Fabius foiled 
the skill and courage of Hannibal. A retreat is ordered, 
and troops and general, in a twinkling, are found safely 
bivouacked in a neighboring grocery ! But even here the 
general still has room for the exhibition of heroic deeds. 
Hot from the field, and chafed with the untoward events of 
the day, your general unsheathes his trenchant blade, 
eighteen inches in length, as you will well remember, and 
with an energy and remorseless fury he slices the water- 
melons that lie in heaps around him, and shares them with 
his surviving friends. Other of the sinews of war are not 
wanting here. Whisky, Mr. Speaker, that great leveler of 
modern times, is here also ; and the shells of the water- 
melons are filled to the brim. Here, again, Mr. Speaker, is 
shown how the extremes of barbarism and civilization 
meet. As the Scandanavian heroes of old, after the fa- 
tigues of war, drank wine from the skulls of their slaught- 
ered enemies, in Odin's halls, so now our militia general 
and his forces, from the skulls of melons thus vanquished, 
in copious draughts of whisky assuage the heroic fire of 
their souls, after the bloody scenes of a parade day. But 
alas for this short-lived race of ours, all things will have an 
end ; and so even it is with the glorious achievements of 
our general. Time is on the wing, and will not stay his 
flight. The sun, as if frightened at the mighty events of 
the day, rides down the sky ; and at the close of the day, 
when ' the hamlet is still,' the curtain of night drops upon 
the scene— 

" ' And glory, like the phoenix in its fires, 
Exhales its odors, blazes, and expires.' " 



142 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 



WAR OF 1812. 

It was proposed originally that this work, as giving 
special prominence, though far from exclusive attention, to 
the daj'S of " the fathers," should contain a list of all the 
soldiers of the war of 1812. But success has not crowned 
efforts in this direction. The recollection of the few sur- 
vivors is unreliable and incomplete ; the statements made 
by those supposing themselves informed contradictory. 
Repeated applications to the War Department were de- 
clined, with information that, while answers will be given 
in relation to individuals, when company, etc., are given, 
lists will not be furnished or allowed. 

There are reports that, at the outset of the war, a con- 
siderable number of citizens, chiefly from the south and 
west parts of the count}^ joined a company that was being 
raised by Lewis Cass. This detachment was surrendered 
by Hull, and sent home on parole. 

Under a requisition from the governor. Judge Isaac 
Evans responded with a full company, marching to Frank- 
linton (across the Scioto from Columbus), where they were 
mustered into service, and furnished with uniforms and 
United States muskets. They were in the forces of Gen- 
eral Harrison. Their period of service was six months. 

There is information of a company in service, under 
command of Captain Isaac Meredith, raised in the north- 
western part of the county. 

Captain Tanner is reported to have taken a company 
from the southern part of the county, and mention is also 
made of Captain Beard's company. 

By the kindness of Matthew Johnston, Esq., the muster- 
roll of Captain Adam Johnston's company is here given. 

MUSTER-ROLL OF CAPTAIN ADAM JOHNSON's COMPANY OF 
RIFLEMEN, 

Detailed for the protection of " the Mansfield frontier," 
under command of Colonel Charles Williams, by order of 
Return J. Meigs, Governor of Ohio : 

Adam Johnston, captain ; William Morrison, lieutenant ; 



Military Affairs. 143 



Abraham Miller, ensign ; Thonias Foster, first sergeant ; 
John M. Miller, second sergeant ; Frederick Markley, third 
sergeant ; Robert Culbertson, fourth sergeant ; John H. 
Miller, first corporal ; Zebedee Baker, second corporal ; 
John M. Bantham, third corporal ; John D. Moore, fourth 
corporal. 

Privates — Samuel Morrison, Edward Miller, Isaac M. 
Miller, Michael Miller, Isaac Hoagland, George Arnold, 
James Bucklew, John Baker, Matthew Bonar, Joseph Nefl', 
Allen Moore, Benj. Workman, James Winders, John Mc- 
Kean, Windle Miller, John G. Miller, Isaac G. Miller, George 
McCullough, Daniel Miller, Joseph McFarland, Andrew 
Lybarger, Henry Carr, Matthew Williams, John Steer- 
man — 24. 

It will be observed that this force was a volunteer rifle 
company. The men, as they went out, wore new yellow 
hunting-shirts, trimmed with white fringe, and each carried 
his own trusty rifle and tomahawk and scalping-knife. The 
company was summoned to the field under the impulse 
given by the account of the massacre of the Copeland fam- 
ily, near Mansfield, by some Indians. It was mustered into 
service August 25, 1812, and mustered out September 25th 
of the same year. 

Colonel Charles Williams went along with the force in the 
capacity of scout and general adviser, and in expectation of 
taking charge of a regiment, if occasion might offer or ne- 
cessity require. 

Thomas L. Rue was with the force as sutler, and Dr. S. 
Lee was the mustering-in surgeon. 

One of the sentinels of the company shot a cow, mistaking 
it in the dark for an Indian. An Indian, supposed to be a 
scout, was discovered behind a tree and killed and scalped, 
the scalp being an adornment of one of the riflemen for 
years afterward. 

In addition to those whose names appear in the foregoing 
list the following are reported as having rendered service 
in the war of 1812 : Peter Moore, Charles Miller, John G. 
Pigman, Thomas Johnson, Richard Johnson, Andrew Mc- 
Clain, Samuel Elson, Francis Smith, W. R. Clark, James 



144 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Williams, Levi Magness, George Magness, Richard Fowler, 
Reziu Baker, Kichard Hawk, Isaac Bhambaiigh, James 
Oglesby, James Wiley, Elijah ISTewcum, James Butler, 
Robert Corbit, Thomas Butler, Joseph Soverns, and Isaac 
Meredith, 

Some of the saltpeter used for making powder for the 
war of 1812 was collected a few miles south of Roscoe. 
The " caves " formed by projecting rocks had in the decom- 
posed stone on their floors a great deal of nitrate of lime, 
which, being leached with wood-ashes and exposed to the 
air and sun, gave nitrate of potash, a high-priced material 
in those war times, wherewith to make powder. 

MEXICAN WAR. 

On the first call for troops for the Mexican war, more 
than a hundred citizens of Coshocton county sprang to 
arms, although the whole State of Ohio was asked to fur- 
nish only some 2,400. 

On the 5th of June these embarked on a canal-boat at 
Roscoe, destined for the " Halls of the Montezumas." 
Upon reaching Camp Washington, near Cincinnati, a full 
company was mustered into the service, and became part 
of the Third Ohio regiment. 

A considerable number of the Coshocton boys went into 
what was commonly spoken of as the Union company, 
made up of soldiers from Muskingum, Morgan, and Cosh- 
octon counties. 

The full Coshocton company was officered as follows : 
Captain, Jesse H. Meredith ; First Lieutenant, J. M. Love ; 
Second Lieutenant, S. B. Crowley ; Third Lieutenant, Jos. 
D. Workman. Seven of this company were lost by the 
casualties of war. This force was under General Taylor, 
but was not in any considerable battle. 

There was also a considerable number of Coshocton 
county boys in Captain Hart's (afterward Captain Irvine's) 
company, which became part of the Fourth Ohio regiment. 
This was raised under the call for troops in 1847. The 
term of service of the first forces was one year, and they 



Military Afairs. 14S 



met at Cincinnati the second lot of soldiers.'^- The latter 
were in several of the sharpest engagements of the war, 
being with General Scott. 

It is reported that there are now in the county only seven 
Mexican war survivors, the rest having died or removed. 
Joseph Sawyer sports the medal of the Veteran Associa- 
tion, a handsome bronze shield, made out of cannon cap- 
tured in the war. 

THE WAR OF 1861-5. 

The people of Coshocton county, as those of all other 
localities, were watching with intensest interest the occur- 
rences of the winter of 1860-61. Whatever the personal 
sympathies, political attachments, or peaceful proclivities, 
none were indifferent. When Lincoln, in the latter part of 
February, passed through the town of Coshocton on his 
way to the national capital, he was greeted by an im- 
mense throng of anxious citizens. The news of the fall of 
Sumter caused hereabouts as elsewhere a thrill that passed 
and repassed along the nerves of the people. Many of the 
settlers had come from south of Mason and Dixon's line, and 
had tender recollections of their old homes and the people 
therein. But the war spirit was not wanting, even among 
these, and as promptly as in any county the masses of the 
people were up in arms. Under the first call of the presi- 
dent, two companies of men were enlisted for three months' 
service. One of them was commanded by Captain James 
Irvine,t and the other by Captain K W. McLain. They 
were mustered into the Sixteenth Ohio Regiment, of which 
Irvine became colonel, John D. Nicholas taking command 

* Charles McCloskey, of Coshocton (now of Steubenville), at the 
time of the Mexican war, was a soldier in the regular army, and one 
of the storming pai'ty or "forlorn hope" at the capture of the City of 
Mexico, when he was terribly wounded, and for a long time near to 
death. Upon his return to Coshocton, after his recovery, a salute was 
fired by some of his old comrades, and, by the premature discharge of 
the cannon, Joseph Sawyer and John Richards lost each an arm, car- 
ried away by the rammer. 

f R. M. Voorhees, Esq., lays claim to having been the first man to 
put his name on paper in the recruiting of this company. It is said 
that N. R. Tidball claims the same distinction. 



146 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

of the compauy. The regiment, as will be remembered, 
was sent to Western Virginia, and smelled a little powder 
at Philipi. These forces were sworn in for three months' 
service, and rendered it. Before this time was up, how- 
ever, it became manifest that the suppression of the rebel- 
lion was to be no ninety days' job. Promptly, Josiah 
Given, Esq., who had seen service in the Mexican "War, set 
about raising another company for three years' service, 
under the second call of the president, and in a little time 
another hundred of the youth and strength of Coshocton 
county were mustered in, and became part of the Twenty- 
fourth Kegiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. There soon fol- 
lowed another hundred, entering the Thirty-second Regi- 
ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with Captain Stanley, First 
Lieutenant C. C. Nichols, and Second Lieutenant Geo. 
Jack. Then, indeed, were the piping times of war. At 
every cross-road was a recruiting station. Within a few 
months, nearly a thousand men were recruited. The most of 
these were mustered into the Fifty-iirst and Eightieth Reg- 
iments Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which rendezvoused at 
Camp Meigs, near Canal Dover. In the Fifty-first were 
Companies D, F, II, and I, commanded respectively by 
Captains John G. Patton, B. W. Marshall, John D. Nich- 
olas, and James Crooks, and about one-half of Company C, 
commanded by Captain Ilesket, was also made up of Cos- 
hocton boys. Of this regiment R. W. ^McLain was made 
lieutenant-colonel, and D.W. Marshall, adjutant, both of Cos- 
hocton count}'. In the Eightieth Regiment there were three 
companies and a considerable part of a fourth. The com- 
missioned officers of the three companies were as follows : 
Company F, Captain Pren Metham ; First Lieutenant 
James Carnes ; Second Lieutenant F. H. Farmer : Company 
G, Captain Wm. Marshall ; First Lieutenant Peter Hack ; 
Second Lieutenant John Kors : Company 11, Captain G. 
W. Pepper ; First Lieutenant John Kinney ; Second Lieu- 
tenant J. W, Doyle. The major of this regiment was 
Richard Lanning.* 

* He was killed at the battle of Corinth, Miss., October 4, 1862. He 
was connected with one of the old families of the county ; was a 



Military Affairs. 147 



While the Fifty -first and Eightieth were being collected, 
J. y. Heslip raised a considerable squad in this county, for 
the Sixty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and R. 
W. Burt, formerly a resident of the county, came up from 
Newark and enlisted a few Coshocton boys for a regiment 
being raised in Licking county. In the summer and fall of 

1862, four companies were raised for the Ninety-seventh 
and One Hundred and Twenty-second Regiments Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry. Of one of those in the Ninety-seventh, 
E. ShaiFer was captain, Martin Weiser first lieutenant, and 
G. W. Smailes second lieutenant. Of the other, C. C. Nich- 
ols Avas captain ; N. McLain first lieutenant, and C. H. 
Matthews second lieutenant. 

Of those in the One Hundred and Twenty-second, 13. F. 
Sells and Dr. O. C. Farquhar were captains, Joseph Work 
and G. H. Barger first lieutenants, and James M. Sells and 

Anderson second lieutenants. About the time these 

companies were being raised. Colonel James Irvine, com- 
missioned to raise a regiment of cavalry, secured some fifty 
men in Coshocton county, who were mustered in the Ninth 
Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. In the summer of 1863, a draft 
was ordered. The enrollment reported, in August of that 
year, three thousand and nine persons in the county subject 
to military duty. Of these some eight hundred were of the 
second class (between thirty-five and forty -five years of age, 
and not subject to duty until the first class, from twenty- 
five to thirty-five, was exhausted). On the day fixed for 
examination of claims for exemption, there was a pretty 
good mass-meeting in the public square in Coshocton. 
Many claims were justly made and allowed. The horrors 
of the draft were largely diminished as the whole process 
was better understood. The results of it in securing sol- 
diers in Coshocton county are not readily accessible ; but it 
is believed that they were not widely different from those 
in the country at large, as follows : On the 19th of October, 

1863, the provost-marshal general reported that of every 

farmer in earlier years; afterward studied law, and was prosecuting 
attorney of the county when commissioned. He was about fifty years 
of age. His body was sent home, and lies in the Coshocton Cemetery. 



148 Historical Collections of Coshoctoti County. 

one hundred and fift}- men drafted, thirty never reported, 
being thoroughly disinclined to the service or confident of 
their legal right to exemption. Of the one hundred and 
twenty reporting, seventy-two were excused. Of the forty- 
eight held for service, twenty-four paid the commutation, 
sixteen furnished substitutes, and the balance, being eight, 
went to the field. In an eilbrt to arrest drafted men in 
Crawford township, three men were shot. A few of the 
citizens of Coshocton county, excited by stories of personal 
outrage and official mismanagement, gathered their old 
shot-guns, and repaired to Napoleon, Holmes county, 
whence fearful accounts of resistance to the draft were 
soon sent out ; but no Coshocton county blood was there 
spilled. 

An incident of the Napoleon excitement was the march 
of a detachment of bronzed soldiers, in charge ot a small 
gun, which had been sent by the governor to Napoleon, 
down the Walhonding valley to Coshocton, where they 
took the cars for Camp Chase. 

During the Morgan raid excitement Coshocton became 
the depository of the treasures of the banks of Cadiz, which 
were brought hither and put in the vault of Joseph K. 
Johnson & Co.'s bank. Morgan, on his way to Columbus, 
after his capture, spent a few minutes in Coshocton. 

The men drafted or going as substitutes were allowed 
the privilege of going into companies and regiments in 
which their friends and associates were, and the ranks of 
some of these were thus increased. The generous provision 
made- by the township for the relief of the families of 
those in the service, and the bounties offered, bore their 
fruits in the enlistment of many scores of men in the sum- 
mer and fall of 1863; and, while no new organizations were 
formed, several hundred men went during that season out 
of Coshocton county into the military service. 

In the fall of 1863, some seven volunteer military com- 
panies were, by state authority, organized and drilled un- 
der the name of Ohio National Guards. On the 25tli of 
April, 1864, these were ordered by the governor to take the 
field. They rendezvoused at the fair-ground in Coshocton, 



Military Affairs. 149 



and after a few days proceeded to Columbus. After inspec- 
tion, some five hundred men were selected out of the nearly 
seven hundred men, and two companies were placed in the 
One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment, and three in the 
One Hundred and Forty-third Regiment. The companies 
in the One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment had the 
following commissioned officers : Captains L. B. Wolf and 
Caleb Wheeler ; First Lieutenants John Weatherwax and 
D. L. Lawson ; Second Lieutenants B. F. Leighninger and 

_ . On the stafl' of the regiment was A. H. 

Fritchey, quartermaster. Of the One Hundred and Forty- 
third Regiment, John D. Nicholas was lieutenant-colonel. 
The commissioned officers of the companies were as follows : 
Captains N. R. Tidball, Jno. L. Dougherty, and Jas. Ririe ; 
First Lieutenants D. F. Denman, A. J. Stover, and James 
Crawford ; Second Lieutenants John Willis, D. Rose, and 
Kat. Elliott. They were mustered into the United States 
service. May 13, 1864, and mustered out September 13th, 
of the same year, 

A few men were secured in Coshocton for the gun-boat 
service. Dr. S. H. Lee and Dr. A. G. Brown, of Coshoc- 
ton, and Dr. Edwards, of West Carlisle, represented Cosh- 
octon in the medical department, and Rev. G. W. Pepper, 
of the Methodist Episcopal church at Keene, was chaplain, 
as well as captain of a company. And there was no arm 
of the service that did not find some of its strength in 
the warm hearts and brawny arms of Coshocton county 
boys.* 

It is not in the plan of this work to trace the career of 
those entering the military service after leaving the county. 
They were absorbed in the larger bodies of w^hich they 
became part, and the record of these is in the general his- 
tory of the war. They were given by the county to this 
service, and most of them proved worthy representatives of 
it. It is estimated that in all there entered the service 



* Major;General William Burns, of the regular United States army, 
and Lieutenant Poe, of the United States navy, were born and bred 
in Coshocton county. 



150 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

nearly twenty-five hundred men, and of these hetween 
three and four huudred fell hy the casualties of war. 
There is not a graveyard in Coshocton county but holds 
the ashes of some of them, and scores of them rest in 
" the south-land."* 

To promote enlistments and serve as counselors in rela- 
tion to all military matters, the following persons acted, by 
appointment of the governor, as a military committee for 
Coshocton county : A. L. Cass, Houston Hay, Seth Mc- 
Lain, J. D. Nicholas, and D. Rodahaver. Soldiers' aid so- 
cieties were formed in almost every school district, gather- 
ing up comforts and delicacies for the camps and hospitals 
in which were the " boys." Rev. A. McCartney, of Keene 
township, and Joseph Elliott and Rev. C. W. Wallace, of 
Coshocton, visited the " Army of the Cumberland " as dele- 
gates of the United States Christian Commission. 

* In the Coshocton Cemetery is buried a young Confederate soldier, 
who died in the cars when near Coshocton while being transported 
as a prisoner of war. 



Bible Society, S. S. Association , etc. 151 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

BIBLE SOCIETY — S. S. ASSOCIATIOX — TEMPERANCE MOVEMENTS — SECRET 

ORDERS. 

The Coshocton County Bible Society was organized in 
April, 1830. It has distributed by sale and gift some six 
thousand dollars' worth of Bibles and Testaments in the 
county, and paid over to the American Bible Society for 
its benevolent work in the home and foreign field some 
twelve hundred dollars. 

SUNDAY-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION. 

Some ten years ago, a county sunday-school association 
was formed, but after a brief period became extinct. W. 
H. Robinson was Pres. ; Dr. E. Sapp, Y. P. ; J. Glover, 
Treas. ; J. R. Johnson, Cor. Sec; W. J. Mofiit, Rec. Sec 
In the summer of 1876, a new association was organized. 
Pres., Joseph Frew; Sec, L. Disney; Treas., J. G. Magaw. 

TEMPERANCE MOVEMENTS. 

The various temperance movements of the country at large 
have always been to greater or less extent engaged in by 
the people of Coshocton county. And in few regions has 
there been either more need for the work or more faith- 
fulness in it. Records which, if given in detail and in such 
way as to make the account one of personal and local in- 
terest, would perpetuate family shame and mortify personal 
and local pride, tell in general that Coshocton county has 
contributed its full quota of victims to " the monster evil." 

From the days of the Washingtonians, on through Sons 
of Temperance, Cadets of Temperance, Good Templars, 
"Women's Leagues, there have always been those to " lift 
up the standard against the enemy." The records of many 
of these organizations and societies are not now to be had, 
and it is not deemed best to make herein transfers from 
them, at best only partial. 



152 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

The following facts may be noticed : 

In early clays, every shop, tavern, and trading-place sold 
whisky. In 1820, there were not less than thirteen such 
places in Coshocton county, then including the lower half 
of Holmes county, and having a population of 7,086. 

In 1849 there were seven persons licensed, and some thirty 
indicted for selling without license. 

In 1876, with a population of some 23,000, there are in 
the county forty-five drug-stores, saloons, etc., paying tax 
to the United States government on sales of liquor. 

In 1856, there were two very large distilleries in Coshoc- 
ton county ; in 1876, none. 

The iirst " raising " reported to have been conducted with- 
out liquors was that of John Shannon's barn, in Keene 
township, in 1834. 

Lodges of Good Templars are at this date reported in 
West Bedford, Mohawk Village, and Coshocton; and Wo- 
men's Leagues in Warsaw, Jacobsport, and Coshocton. 

Among the more noticeable movements, we mention 
two, partly because the record of these was more distinctly 
made and can now be readily traced. 

In the month of March, 1870, in the village of Coshoc- 
ton, a meeting was called (and held in the Frame Presby- 
terian Church) to devise, if possible, some more efficient 
measures looking to the removal of the evils of intemper- 
ance from our community. After some discussion, it was 
resolved to put in the field, at the approaching spring elec- 
tion, a ticket pledged to pass and enforce the " McConnells- 
ville Ordinance," as it was commonly called, or some 
other of similar sort. Each of the great parties had al- 
ready presented its ticket. In due time, after a brief but 
vigorous campaign, the following "Citizens' Ticket" was 
elected : Mayor, Hiram Beall ; Clerk, II. O. Smith ; Treas- 
urer, G.y^F. Cassingham; Marshal, John Taylor; Council- 
men, F. E. Barney, W. S. Tidball, Wm. E. Hunt, Geo. 
Ross, J. S. Williams, and Josiah Glover.* The average 



* Thomas Campbell was appointed corporation attorney, and Nicho- 
las Tidball street commissioner. 



Bible Society^ S. S. Association, etc, 153 

vote for the gentlemen on this ticket was one hundred 
and forty-three; the total number of votes cast in 
the corporation that year being three hundred and 
fifty. 

The ordinance having been passed, and vigor displayed 
as to the enforcement of all temperance laws, four saloons 
were closed entirely, and the others put under much re- 
straint. But eminent legal ability soon discovered weak 
places, and the delinquents always got the benefit of them, 
and of doubts. The tax-payers grew restive under the ex- 
penses of trials, etc., and public sentiment, never really as 
to majority, but only by plurality, on the side of this move- 
ment, failed to support the movement, and in due course 
put into the controlling municipal places those who, while 
preserving the form of the ordinance, had no sympathy 
with its spirit. 

The recent famous " Crusade," or '• Prayer "Work," or 
" Women's Whisky War," as variously termed by the jour- 
nals of the day, may be said to have been commenced in 
Coshocton, February 15, 1874. 

On the evening of that day (Sabbath) a mass meeting of 
" the friends of temperance " in the village of Coshocton 
was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, to consider 
the new movement, and the propriety of inaugurating it 
here. The meeting was presided over by the mayor, and 
addressed by a number of speakers, the general drift of 
whose remarks was in favor of " the movement" already 
sweeping up from the southwestern part of the state, and 
immensely " written up " in the papers. 

On the 21st of February (Saturday), " the visiting band " 
of women, led by the venerable Mrs. D. Spangler (after fre- 
quent conferences among themselves, and direct or indirect 
conference with those who professed that " the secret of the 
Lord was with them ;" and who, " knew that the Lord was 
in this movement," and that all the pains and toils would 
be light when the success was achieved), began their visi- 
tation of the saloons. The day was exceedingly stormy ; 
efforts were confined to pleading with those in the business 



154 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

to give it up. After some days, the prayer exercises were 
entered upon. Usually the ladies were allowed to come 
into the premises, the proprietor often, however, being out 
at the time. But at length the exercises were conducted 
upon the pavement, often in the chill March winds and amid 
the rain and snow. Meanwhile public meetings were held 
every evening, at which addresses were made by popular 
speakers more or less in sympathy with the work, and rela- 
tions of the experience of reformed drinkers and reports of 
the women's work were given in. At these great crowds 
were present, filling the largest rooms available — the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, Central Hall, the Presbyterian 
Church, and the Opera House. Morning prayer meetings 
of large proportions also were held. Pledges were circula- 
ted ; the newspapers and the lawyers were completely en- 
listed to put no hindrance in the way, but rather to help 
"the women," with whom, in their sorrows and general 
purposes, there was as yet almost universal sympathy, what- 
ever might be thought of some of the methods. Still, no 
" surrenders " were made, and it was evident, possibly with 
a view to what followed, that larger sales than ever were 
being made, especially by a drug store or two, whence flasks 
were being largely carried out, which probably came into 
play when the saloons were more closely guarded, or even 
practicall}' closed. 

At length "pickets" were set in each drinking place 
or as a guard before the door. Two women, often closely 
blanketed and with warm bricks at the feet, sat hour after 
hour, until relieved by others sent out by " the oflicer 
of the day," by authority of " the League." At length, 
after days of uneasiness and nights of anxiety and devising, 
the establishment having the smallest stock and doing the 
smallest trade surrendered, with the understanding that the 
liquors should be purchased by the League or its friends, 
and also the U. S. internal revenue license. And then fol- 
lowed another and another — the liquors were poured into 
the gutter, the brass band played, the church and court- 
house bells rang, the men shouted, the women sang and 
cried and prayed; the strange enthusiasm was felt in every 



Bible Society^ S. S. Association^ etc. 155 

home to greater or less extent. Then came a lull. Prose- 
cutions, under the temperance ordinance, were now tried. 
Money was wanted, and came in slowl3^ Somehow a great 
deal of liquor was still drunk. Although a few hundred 
dollars' worth had been captured, it was known that there 
were thousands of dollars' worth still in the town. With 
little observable signs of trade — none when the pickets were 
around — the breath of many still had the odor of beer, or 
what even seemed more discouraging, whisky; because 
indicating a readiness to take the stimulant in even more 
concentrated and damaging form. One man coming out of a 
meat shop connected with a saloon, with a large basket 
exhibiting some fine beefsteaks only, he was closely watched, 
and was detected in distributing flasks to his thirsty old 
customers assembled in a hay-mow. 

Curiously enough, as some thought, the establishments 
which had females connected with them were the most per- 
tinacious in their rejection of all terms proposed by the 
League. Still the women held on, evincing the depth of 
their feeling and the strength of their purpose. At length 
more surrenders, mainly of empty barrels and old fixtures, 
were made. These were, in two cases, sold at auction — 
the proceeds to go to the proprietors.* Glasses brought 
five dollars a piece, and other things in similar proportion. 

But now the actual results of this work, as done else- 
where, were beginning to come out in the papers. Little 
difficulties began to grow up inside " the League." It was 
apparent that some were chiefly interested in the move- 
ment from its bearing upon personal notoriety, political pre- 
ferment or supposed party gain, or sexual advancement or 
denominational popularity. Soon there was talk about 
bad faith and broken pledges, of divers sorts. An election 
was approaching, and interest began to center in it. The 
temperance people were unfortunate in their selection of a 
ticket, and on the first Monday of April received an unmis- 
takable blow. A few weeks later the temperance ordinance, 
passed by the temperance council of 1870, was " modified," 

* And, it is said, ultimately were used to enlarge and refit the estab- 
lishment subsequently conducted by a relative of the former owner. 



156 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

and to be brief, in six months after "the movement" was 
inaugurated, there were more drinking houses in Coshocton 
than before it was be^un. 

What occurred at the county seat, with slight mutations, 
occurred at the villages all through the county. Probably 
the point of most interest after Coshocton was Warsaw, 
which, like Coshocton, has alwa3's been a little unfortunate 
in having some of the meanest whisky or whisky-drink- 
ers in the country. To their credit, be it said, that many 
who '-signed the pledge" during this movement, are still 
keeping it, as some of them had done before for many 
mouths, in connection with other movements ; and several 
of those who then relinquished the business have not since 
engaged in it. 

AVhatever results followed — whatever extravagances 
marked its course — no thoughtful one can deny, that in 
the attention aroused to the monster evils of intemper- 
ance in the discussions pertaining to it, in the more thor- 
ough instruction of the young, the crusade accomplished 
much good. The estimate of female influence and essen- 
tial divinity may be lower. The idea that those who can 
not prevail with God, and over the passions and appetites 
of those whom they love and by whom they are loved — 
their fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons — to the inducing 
of them to give up the use of drinks, can yet without fail 
prevail over those, it may be, alien to them in race and 
religion, to resist their passion for easy living and the love 
of gain (" the accursed thirst for gold," as the poet says), 
ma}' not be so generally accepted as it once was; but the 
crusade was no failure, in at least some important aspects. 
And though, with some, "distance may lend enchantment 
to the view," its work in Coshocton county was as eflective 
as elsewhere, where it encountered the same conditions. 

And what is true of this is also true of the many move- 
ments preceding it. People who talk of " no progress" in 
this great subject, must surely look out only to the narrow 
circle of their own personal grievances, or have queer ideas 
of progress. They certainly can not stand with the writer 
of these sketches, and see the river of fire in its tortuous 



Bible Society, S. S. Association^ etc. 157 

flow along the years covered by this work. They would 
at least see indications that the springs of the river were 
very certainly, if gradually, losing their volume and depth 
of color. Even in the face of the saddenins: and disgrace- 
ful fact that there are in Coshocton county to-day so many 
drinking places and so much intemperance, no one who has 
studied the whole movement will say there has been no 
progress, unless determined to argue in advance "that the 
former days were better than these days." From the days 
that church authorities in Coshocton county must spend 
hour after hour in cases of discipline arising out of intem- 
perance — from the days that a popular politician could haul 
a barrel of whisky to the public square, in front of the 
polls, and, tying a couple of tin-cups to the barrel, after 
knocking out the head, sing out : " Come on, boys ! " 
there would seem to have been at least some change. 
From the daj'^s when every store kept liquors to the days 
of back rooms and screens — from the time when the use 
of liquors was universal to even those in which it is even 
very general, some progress has been made. 

SECRET ORDERS. 

Of the Masonic Fraternity, there are four Lodges and 
one R. A. Chapter in the county, viz : 

Coshocton Lodge, Ko. 96, organized in 1846. 

Samaritan R. A. Chapter, No. 50, organized 1852. 

"Wakatomica Lodge, No. — , "West Bedford. 

Plainfield Lodge, No. 224, East Plainiield, Oct. 20, 1852. 

Warsaw Lodge, No. 255, Warsaw. 

Clinton Lodge, No. 42, of Coshocton, suspended 1836. 
The Thornhill and the Roscoe Lodges also suspended. 

Of the L 0. 0. F., there are three Lodges and one En- 
campment, viz : 

Coshocton Lodge, No. 44, instituted August 2, 1845 ; 

Coshocton Encampment, No. 191, instituted July 7, 
1875; 

Sarah Lodge (Daughters of Rebecca), No. 25 ; all of Cosh- 
octon. 



158 Hislo7'ical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Bedford Lodge, No. 446, of New Bedford, instituted June 
29, 1870. 

There are several other Secret Associations, among which 
may be named : 

OuARGA Tkibe, I. O. Eed Men ; 

Crescent Camp, I. 0. of Knights ; 

Coshocton Lodge, Knights of Pythias ; all of Coshocton. 

In early days there was a famous society called the 
" Hoo ! Hoo ! Society," composed of a rollicking set of fel- 
lows. Unfortunately for the historian, all their proceedings 
were conducted by " a dark lantern," but it is said that get- 
ting "on the gridiron" or "riding the goat " were tame 
things compared with their rites and ceremonies. 



Miscellaneous Matters. 159 



CHAPTER XIX. 

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

1. Tlie, Pre-Historic Race. 2. Ancient Burial Grounds. 3. Meaning of the 
names Muskingum, Tuscaraivas, and Walhonding. 4. Prose Legend of 
the Walhonding. 5. Heckioeldei' s Famous Ride. 6. Temperance Cru- 
sade amoi^g the Indians. 7. Gnadcnhutten Massacre. 8. Curious Stories 
Touching Captives Reclaimed by Colonel Boquet. 9. Description of Hunt- 
ing-Shirt. 10. The House and Furniture of the Pioneers in Coshocton 
County. 11. Louis Philippe at Coshocton. 12. How to Raise a Jjarge 
Family. 12. Indian Stories. 13. Backwoods Sports. 

THE PRE-HISTORIC RACE. 

Doddridge, in his "J^otes on the Settlement of Western 
Pennsylvania and Virginia," etc., says, touching the earth 
forts, mounds, grave-yards, stone-hatchets, and other evi- 
dences of a race preceding the Indians : 

" Most writers represent these as peculiar to America ; 
but the fact is, they are also in Europe and Asia. Large 
groups of mounds are met with in many places between 
Moscow and St. Petersburgh, in Russia. When the people 
of that country are asked if they have any tradition con- 
cerning them, they answer in the negative. They suppose 
they are the graves of men slain in battle, but when or by 
whom constructed they have no knowledge. Nearly all 
the mounds which have been opened in Asia and America 
have been found to contain more or less charcoal and cal- 
cined bones. Some have thought that these mounds were 
used for altars for sacrifice, the ofierings being the prisoners 
taken in battle. The great antiquity of these relics can 
not be questioned. A curious fact is that they are not 
found in any great numbers along the shores of the main 
oceans. This circumstance goes to show that those by 
whom they were made were not in the practice of navi- 
gating the great seas. That they contain nothing with 
even hieroglyphics is evidence of a high antiquity. An- 



i6o Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

other evidence of the great age of these rude remains ot 
antiquity is that there is not even a regular traditionary 
account of their origin." 

Doddridge gives reasons at length for rejecting the idea 
that there was any considerable degree of civilization 
among the people making them. He is inclined to think 
they were of Asiatic origin, though not holding the idea 
that they were " the lost tribes of Israel." He is not so 
wild as some in his estimates of their numbers, wanting 
something more than one swallow to make a summer, and 
not familiar with or disposed to accept the processes of the 
modern anti-biblical " scientists," who made so much out 
of that tremendous " sell," the Carditi" giant, to disparage 
the scriptural account of man. 

ANCIENT BURIAL GROUNDS. 

" In the county of Coshocton, as we pass west on the 
Pan-Handle railroad, three miles or thereabouts from the 
county-seat, is seen to the right a large plain in the river 
bend of several hundred acres, and on the east bank of the 
river, a few hundred yards distant, a large mound, forty feet 
high, with trees thereon. In its vicinity, Zeisberger settled 
Lichtenau, in 1776, and he was attracted to the spot from the 
numerous evidences of an ancient race having been buried 
there, more civilized than the Indians of his day. The mis- 
sionaries have left but meager details of what they there 
found, but enough to clearly prove that its inhabitants un- 
derstood the use of the ax, the making of potter}-, and 
division of areas of land in squares, etc. In a large grave- 
yard, which covered many acres, human bones or skeletons 
Avere found, less in stature than the average Indian by a 
foot and a half. They were regularly buried in rows, heads 
west and feet east, as indicated by the enameled teeth in 
preservation, so that the disembodied spirits, on coming out 
of the graves, would Urst see the rising sun, and make their 
proper devotional gestures to their great Spirit or God. 
From approximate measurement this grave-yard contained 
ten acres, and has long since been plowed up and turned 



Miscellaneous Matters. i6i 

into corn-fields. The race of beings buried there averaged 
four feet in height, judging from the size of the graves and 
layers of ashes. Estimating that twenty bodies could be 
buried in a square rod, this human sepulcher, if full, would 
have contained over thirty thousand bodies, and the ordi- 
nary time required to fill such a grave-yard would not be 
^ess than five hundred years in a city the size of Coshocton 
of the present day, assuming that the generations averaged 
thirty-three years of life. One skeleton dug up from this 
grave-yard is said to have measured five and one-half feet, 
and the skull to have been perforated by a bullet. The 
body had been dismembered, and iron nails and a decayed 
piece of oak were found in the grave. 

" On the farm of a Mr. Long, about fifteen miles south- 
west of St. Louis, was found, many years ago, an ancient 
burying-ground, containing a vast number of small graves, 
indicating that the country around had once been the seat 
of a great population of human beings of less than ordinary 
size, similar in every respect to those found near Coshocton. 
But, on opening the graves, they found the skeletons depos- 
ited in stone cofiins, while those at Coshocton bore evidence 
of having been buried in wooden coffins. After opening 
many of the graves, all having in them skeletons of a pigmy 
race, they at length found one, as at Coshocton, denoting a 
full-developed, large-sized man, except in length, the legs 
having been cut off at the knees and placed alongside the 
thigh bones. From this fact many scientific men conjec- 
tured that there must have been a custom among the inhab- 
itants of separating th6 bones of the body before burial, 
and that accounted for the small size of the graves. The 
skeletons, however, were reduced to white chalky ashes, 
and therefore it was impossible to determine whether such 
a custom existed or not. 

" A custom is said to have existed among certain tribes 
of the western Indians to keep their dead unburied until 
the flesh separated from the bones ; and when the bones be- 
came clean and white, they were buried in small coffins. 
The Nanticoke Indians of Maryland had a custom of ex- 
huming their dead after some months of burial, cutting off 



i62 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

from the bones all the flesh and burning it, then drying and 
wrapping the bones in clean cloths, and reburying them ; 
and, whenever the tribe removed to new hunting-grounds, 
the bones of their dead were taken along. It is known 
that this tribe removed to "Western Pennsylvania, and por- 
tions of them came to the Muskingum valley with the 
Shawanese. Zeisberger had two Xanticoke converts at 
Schoenbrunn, and one of whom (named Samuel Nanticoke) 
affirmed — as tradition goes — that this pigmy grave-yard at 
Lichtenau was their burying-ground, and contained the 
bones of their ancestors, carried from one place to another 
for many generations, and found a final resting place in 
these valleys, when their posterijty became too weak, from 
the wastage of war, to remove them elsewhere." — Mitchen- 
er's Ohio Annals. 

"When the Walhonding canal was being built, a number 
of skeletons in the sitting posture were unearthed. On 
the Powelson place, just east of the town of Coshocton, a 
skeleton was dug up, having upon the head a curious 
shaped metallic cap or earthen-ware vase. It was forwarded 
to the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, by 
Rev. Wm. E. Huat, in 1869. 

MEANING OF THE NAMES MUSKINGUM, TUSCARAWAS, AND WAL- 

HONDING. 

The Tuscarawas river was long embraced with the Mus- 
kingum river, as we now call it, under the one designation 
— the Muskingum extending from Marietta to the head- 
waters in Summit county. Afterward the Tuscarawas was 
called the " Little Muskingum." The best accredited 
meaning of the name Muskingum is " Elk's Eye " — the em- 
blem of placid, quiet beauty. 

Tuscarawas, according to Heckewelder (as good authority 
as any in these things), means " Old Town," the oldest In- 
dian town in South-eastern Ohio being on it near the pres- 
ent Bolivar. 

The Walhonding is, with unvarying testimony, said to 
mean " The White Woman." 



Miscellaneous Matters. 163 



PROSE LEGEND OF THE WALHONDING. 

Christopher Gist, when looking up lands for George Wash- 
ington's Virginia Land Company, was at " "White Woman's 
Town," January 14, 1751. He says the town (it stood near 
the junction of Killbuck and White Woman creeks) was 
80 called from the fact that the ruling spirit in it was a 
white woman, who had been taken captive in Il^ew Eng- 
land, when she was not above ten years of age, by the 
French Indians, and had subsequently become the wife of 
" Eagle Feather." She is reported as having been one of 
the •' strong-minded " of her day, and " wore the leggins." 
She had several children, and was even outstripping the 
Indian in Indian qualities. Her name was Mary Harris. 
According to this story, the river was named from the 
town. Those who prefer this account to the more poetic, 
and perhaps equally truthful, one given in the chapter of 
this work entitled " Indian Occupancy," can do so without 
hurting the feelings of the writer of the book, who has not 
talent nor time to settle conflicting Indian legends. 

heckewelder's great ride. 

" There came to Goschachgiink, in the spring of 1778, 
some disaft'ected persons from Pittsburg, with Alexander 
McKee, Matthew Elliot, and Simon Girty — an ignoble trio 
of go-betweens and desperadoes. 

" Soon after the arrival of this party, a second appeared, 
consisting of a sergeant and twenty privates, deserters from 
the fort, who joined the British Indians. These men all 
vied one with another in spreading falsehoods among the 
Delawares. The Americans, they said, had been totally 
defeated in the Atlantic States ; driven westward, they were 
now about to wage an indiscriminate war against the In- 
dians. Such reports produced a general excitement in the 
nation. Captain Pipe, who had been eagerly watching for 
an opportunity to supplant White Eyes, and overthrow the 
policy of the council, hastened to the capital, called upon 
his countrymen to seize the hatchet, and defend their 
homes. Who would venture to prate of treaties now? 



164 Historical Collectiojis of Coshocton County. 

White Eyes barely succeeded in having the declaration of 
war postponed for ten days, that time might be given to as- 
certain whether the reports were true or false. But this 
did not hinder preparations for the conflict. Goschachgiink 
rang with the war-song ; rifles were cleaned and tomahawks 
sharpened. In order to prevent the rising of this nation 
and its numerous grandchildren, peace-messages must at 
once be sent to Goschachgiink. Such messages were pre- 
pared, but not a runner could be induced to take them. 
General Hand's offers of the most liberal rewards were all 
in vain ; the risk was too great. 

" In this emergency, Heckewelder and Schebosh volun- 
teered their services. Eiding three days and two nights 
without stopping, except to feed their horses, in constant 
danger from the war-parties that lurked in the forests, they 
reached Gnaddenhiitten an hour before midnight of the 
fifth of April. The next day was the ninth of the stipu- 
lated term, j^o contradiction of the reports spread by 
Girty and his confederates had been received. War was 
accepted as a necessity even by White E^'es. Of that crisis 
John Heckewelder was the illustrious hero. Although 
scarcely able any longer to sit upon his horse, and although 
it was at the risk of his life, he pressed on after but a brief 
rest, accompanied by John Martin, a native assistant, and 
got to Goschachgiink at ten o'clock in the morning. The 
whole population turned out to meet him, but their faces 
were dark and sinister. There was no welcome given. 
Not a single Delaware reciprocated his greetings. He ex- 
tended his hand to White Eyes, but even White Eyes 
stepped back. 

" Holding aloft the written speeches of which he was the 
bearer, Heckewelder addressed the Indians from his horse. 
He told them that they had been deceived ; that the Amer- 
icans, instead of being defeated in the Atlantic States, had 
gained a great victory, and forced Burgoyne and his whole 
army to surrender ; and that, so far from making war upon 
the Delawares, they were their friends, and had sent him 
to establish a new alliance. Such news brought about a 
sudden change in the aspect of affairs. A council was 



Miscellaneous Matters. 165 

called ; the missives of General Hand were delivered and 
accepted in due form ; the warlike preparations ceased ; 
and, while Captain Pipe and his adherents left the town 
in great chagrin, the instigators of this whole plot fled to 
more congenial tribes." — From D& Schweinitz's Life and 
Times of Zeisberger. 

A TEMPERANCE CRUSADE AMONG THE INDIANS. 

"In the year 1773, Rev. David Jones, a Baptist 
minister, was sent out from Philadelphia city to the Scioto 
and Muskingum valleys, with the view of establishing a 
mission. On arriving at Schoenbrunn he found Zeisberger 
had planted his colonies along the Tuscarawas, and as they 
gave evidence of success, Jones proceeded on south and 
spent some time among the Shawanese, but found no en- 
couragement for a mission among them. He, therefore, re- 
turned up the Tuscarawas valley to ITew Comerstown, in 
the vicinity of the present town of that name. Here the 
Indians were having a great feast and dance, in which 
whisky, procured from traders, was the principal performer. 
Under its influence they refused Jones permission to 
preach, shut him up in one of their huts, and put a guard 
around him, and some proposed to kill him ; but one of 
the chiefs, called Geleleraend, or Killbuck, interfered and 
saved his life. 

" After the Indian feast was over they listened to 
the preacher, and he, having spoken much against the 
use of whisky, made such an impression on the mind of 
the chief Killbuck, that he became a convert then, and 
was ever afterward opposed to its use. While Jones re- 
mained at " the Kew Comerstown," Killbuck destroyed all 
the liquor on hand, and notified the traders that if they 
brought any more whisky among the Indians they (the 
traders) would be scalped. This aroused their enmity 
against the preacher, and threats being again made by 
some of the drinking Indians against his life, the chief had 
him escorted up the river to Gnadenhutten settlement, and 
from there to Schoenbrunn, from which place the Dela- 
wares saw him safe to Fort Pitt, it being midwinter, and 



i66 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

the snow, as Jones states in his journal, some four to five 
feet deep." — Mitclitner' s Ohio Annals. 

THE GNADENHUTTEN MASSACRE. 

Although this was not an event taking place in Coshoc- 
ton county, yet as some of the ancestors of the settlers in 
Coshocton county had to do with it, and the occurrence 
bore important relations to the Indians whose cherished 
seat was once in Coshocton county, and to the settlement 
of the county, a brief account is here given. 

In 1781, the Moravian Indians were required to abandon 
the Tuscarawas valley mission stations and repair to De- 
troit. Amid the rigors of the winter they were taken to 
Sandusky and there held for a time. A scarcity of pro- 
visions was, however, soon felt in the new location, and in 
February, 1782, about a hundred and fifty of the Indians 
returned from the Sandusky region to the Tuscarawas re- 
gion to get supplies of corn which had been raised the 
season before, and left in the field unhusked. "While they 
were husking and gathering the corn they took up their 
residence again in Gnadenhutten and Salem. 

Meanwhile the settlers in Western Pennsylvania were 
experiencing some great outrages at the hands of some red- 
skins. A band had attacked the home of a man named 
Wallace, murdered his wife and five children, impaling one 
of the children with its face toward the settlements and its 
belly toward the Indian country, and had carried ofl' John 
Carpenter as a prisoner. In the latter part of 1781, the 
militia of the frontier came to a determination to break up 
the Moravian villages on the Tuscarawas. For this pur- 
pose, a detachment of men, under the command of Col- 
onel Williamson, avowing only the determination to make 
the Indians move further away or taking them prisoners to 
Fort Pitt. When they reached Gnadenhutten they found 
but few Indians, the removal of most of them to Sandusky 
having already been eflected. A few were captured and 
taken to Fort Pitt and delivered to the commandant there, 
who, after a short detention, sent them home again. This 
procedure greatly displeased the settlers, who were demand- 



Miscellaneous Matters. 167 

ing a more vigorous policy. Colonel Williamson, hitherto 
a very popular man, was losing his place of honor among 
the frontiersmen. At length, in February, 1782, a new ex- 
pedition under his command set out. This was gathered 
under the impulse of stories that the Indians released by 
the commandant at Fort Pitt had, the night after they were 
liberated, crossed the Ohio and killed a family by the name 
of Monteur ; that an Indian who had been captured after 
the killing of a family on Buffalo creek had reported that 
the leader of the band Avas a Moravian. "Williamson's ex- 
pedition reached the Tuscarawas valley on the 7th of 
March. Upon pretense of friendly council, and only with 
the purpose of arranging for the greater peace and pros- 
perity, and especially to take some steps so as to relieve 
them from their unpleasant situation as between " two 
fires," of bad Indians and vengeful whites, the corn-gather- 
ers were all called in and actually made prisoners. 

The militia now tried to criminate the Indians, charg- 
ing that despite their peaceful professions they were war- 
riors, and had taken part in the war against the Amer- 
icans ; that they had harbored and fed, in their towns, 
British Indians on their march to the American frontiers ; 
that their horses were, many of them, stolen ; that their 
houses, in their appliances, and their clothing gave evidence 
that they had helped to plunder the farms and attack the 
settlements ; that, at any rate, they kept a half-way house 
for marauding Indians and received stolen goods. 

The prisoners appealed to the knowledge of the soldiers 
themselves as to the general public friendship for the 
whites; to the efforts they had made successfully for years 
to keep the nation of which they were part from joining 
with the British Indians ; they explained the necessity which 
compelled them to entertain British Indians, but showed 
that they had, at the same time, persuaded many a war- 
party to turn back ; and, further, that when the American 
general, Brodhead, had come into their country, on his ex- 
pedition against Goschachgunk, they had furnished his army 
too with provisions ; they admitted often receiving articles 
of clothing and utensils from other Indians for entertain- 



i68 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

rnent; and reminded their captors that they were civilized 
Indians, dressing like the whites, working their horses like 
them, and using the same household utensils, mechanical 
tools, and agricultural implements. 

But these explanations were not accepted. A council of 
war was held. The officers, unwilling to assume the 
responsibility, agreed to submit the question to the men. 
They were, accordingly drawn up in line ; Colonel Will- 
iamson stepped forward, saying : " Shall the Moravian 
Indians be taken prisoners to Pittsburgh or put to death? 
All those in favor of sparing their lives advance one step 
and form a second rank." Thereupon sixteen (some reports 
say eighteen) men stepped out of line, leaving an immense 
majority for the sentence of death. 

The mode of execution then created some debate. It 
was at one time proposed to set tire to the houses in which 
the captives were and roast them alive; but it was finally 
determined to kill them and get their scalps as trophies of 
the campaign. On the 8th of March, the captives (twenty- 
nine men, twenty-seven women, and thirt^^-four children) 
were placed in the " slaughter-houses," as they were desig- 
nated — the males in one, the females in another — and then 
butchered with tomahawks, mallets, war-clubs, spears, and 
scalping-knives. Only a part of the militia were engaged 
in this di'eadful work. Others were gathering up the plun- 
der and making preparations for the march to another 
town. After the massacre ail the houses of the village 
were burned. The Indians in the second town got timely 
alarm and fled. Two lads escaped — the one having received 
a blow that only stunned him, and the other having been 
scalped. The whole number killed was ninety. 

The Kev. Philip Doddridge, a Presbyterian minister, who 
lived in Western Virginia, Avhere many of AVilliamson's 
troops lived, speaking of this massacre, says : 

" Should it be asked what sort of people composed the 
band of murderers of these unfortunate people, I answer 
that they were not miscreants and vagabonds. Many of 
them were men of the flrst standing in the country — many 
of them men who had recently lost relations by the hands 



Miscellaneous Matters. 169 

of the savages. Several of the latter class found in the 
houses of the murderers articles which had been plundered 
from their own houses, or those of their relations. One 
man, it is said, found the clothes of his wife and children 
who had been murdered by the Indians a few days before ; 
yet there was no unequivocal evidence that these people 
had any direct agency in the war. Whatever of property 
was found with them had been left by the warriors from 
the regions beyond in exchange for provisions. When 
attacked by our people they might have defended them- 
selves, but they did not. They never fired a single shot- 
They were prisoners, and had been promised protection. 
Every dictate of justice and humanity required that their 
lives should be spared. The complaint of their villages 
being half-way houses, if well founded, was at an end, be- 
cause the people had been removed to Sandusky the fall 
before. It was, therefore, an atrocious and unqualified 
murder. But by whom committed? By a majority of the 
campaign ? For the honor of my country, I hope I may 
safely answer this question in the negative. It was one of 
those convulsions of the moral state of society in which 
the voice of the justice and humanity of the majority is 
silenced by the clamor and violence of a real minority. 
Very few of our men imbrued their hands in the blood 
of the Moravians. Even those who had not voted for sav- 
ing their lives, retired from the scene of slaughter with 
horror and disgust. Why then did they not give their 
votes in their favor? The fear of public indignation re- 
strained them from doing so. They thought well, but had 
not heroism enough to express their opinion. In justice 
to the memory of Colonel Williamson, I have to say that, 
although at that time very young, I was personally ac- 
quainted with him, and from my recollection I say that he 
was a brave man, but not cruel. Had he possessed the 
authority of a superior oflicer in the regular army, I do not 
believe that -a single Moravian Indian would have lost his 
life. But he possessed no such authority. He was only a 
militia officer, who could advise, but not command. His 
only fault was a too easy compliance with popular opinion 



170 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

and popular prejudice. On this account his memory has 
been loaded with unmerited reproach." 

In the summer of 1872 (some ninety years after the mas- 
sacre), ten thousand citizens of the Tuscarawas valley 
assembled at Gnadenhutten to witness the unveiling of a 
handsome monument erected through the efforts of the 
" Gnadenhutten Monument Society" to the memory of the 
Christian Indians who fell the unresisting victims of the 
Williamson expedition. 

After some excellent music by an immense band of 
trained singers, accompanied by instrumental music, the 
Rev. Dr. De Schweinitz, Bishop of the Moravian Church 
of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, delivered an oration of rich 
historic interest and rare beauty of expression. 

At the close of the oration, amid music of suitable sort, 
four Indians of the Delaware tribe, two of them lineal de- 
scendants of the massacred Indians, stripped the canvas, 
and exposed to full view the monument. This is of gray 
stone, with base and die and shaft, in all about thirty -five 
feet high. On the die is the inscription: "Here perished 
ninety Christian Indians in 1782," and on the base the 
simple legend, "Gnadenhutten." 

The assembly having been dismissed for dinner (basket 
and otherwise), was again summoned to the stand, and the 
exercises of the afternoon opened by a hymn in the Dela- 
ware language, sung by the Indians and their missionary, 
the Rev. Mr. Riennecke, from Canada. 

Brief addresses were made by Mr. Riennecke and each of 
the Indians, and Rev. Wm. E. Hunt, Presbyterian minister 
from Coshocton, Ohio, made a few remarks congratulating 
the Monument Society upon the accomplishment of its 
work, declaring that the monument belonged to the whole 
Christian world, and would not only commemorate the 
Christian virtues of the deceased, but speak to all coming 
generations of the undying fame of all who do and suffer 
for the Master. 

After a few remarks by Rev. Mr. Harmon, pastor at 
Gnadenhutten, the benediction was pronounced by Bishop 
De Schweinitz, and the assembly thus dismissed. 



Miscellaneous Matters. 171 

Among those present were many of the dignitaries of 
the Moravian Church, such as Bishop De Schweinitz and 
his brothers Francis and Mier, Dr. Riennecke, the Wollfe 
brothers, and others; but the thousands present witnessed 
the interest of the whole people of the Tuscarawas valley, and 
especially those of classic and Christian taste and feeling, 
in the secluded spot now marked so unmistakably, and 
even hitherto well known, by all interested in the annals 
of heroism and the legends of the Christian faith. 

CURIOUS STORIES TOUCHING CAPTIVES RECLAIMED BY BOUQUET. 

Sherman Day's History of Pennsylvania gives the fol- 
lowing curious facts : 

" Among the captive children surrendered to Colonel 
Bouquet, at the ' Forks of the Muskingum,' was one whom 
no one claimed at the time the people were summoned to 
the fort for the purpose of identifying and reclaiming their 
lost ones, and whose after-history is full of romance. In 
1756, the wife and child of a Mr. John Gray, living near 
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, had been taken by the Indians. 
When Gray died, he willed one-half of his farm to his 
wife, and the other half to his child, in case they should 
ever return from captivity. The wife soon got away from 
the savages, returned home, and, finding her husband's will, 
proved it, and took possession of the farm. She went to 
look for her daughter among the Bouquet captives, but, 
failing to recognize her, was persuaded to claim as the 
missing daughter the unclaimed little girl above spoken of, 
and thus secure the whole farm. Taking her home with 
her, she brought up the strange child as if her own, care- 
fully keeping the secret. The girl grew up as the daughter 
of John Gray, married a man named Gillespie, and took the 
Gray estate. This changed hands several times up to the 
year 1789, when some of the collateral heirs of John Gray 
obtaining information about the spurious Jane Gray, com- 
menced suits to recover the land, being some four hundred 
acres of the best land in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. 
After legal contests, running through forty-four years, the 
case was disposed of against the reputed daughter, and the 



172 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

property reverted to the brothers and sisters of the original 
John Gray.. 

"At the time of the reclamation, one woman failing to 
recognize her lost child was lamenting her loss, and telling 
how she continued still to sing every evening the favorite 
hymn of the lost child. ' Sing it now,' said the sympa- 
thizing officer, and she sang : 

' Alone, yet not alone am I, 

Though in this solitude so drear ; 
I feel my Savior always nigh, 

He conies my every hour to cheer.' 

" She had sung thus far, when the daughter, having her 
sight quickened by the old sound, rushed forward, and the 
joy of the restoration was complete." 

DESCRIPTION OF THE HUNTING-SHIRT. 

Among the earliest settlers of Coshocton county, as else- 
where in the West at the same time, the hunting-shirt Avas 
almost universally worn. For the information of our 
younger readers, we append a description : 

" This garment was a kind of loose frock, reaching half 
way down the thighs, with large sleeves, open before, and 
so wide as to lap over a foot or more when belted. The 
cape was large, and sometimes handsomely fringed with 
a raveled piece of cloth of a difierent color from that of 
the hunting-shirt itself. The bosom of this dj'ess served as 
a wallet to hold a chunk of bread, cakes, jirk, tow for 
wiping the barrel of the rifle, or any other necessary for 
the hunter or warrior. The belt, which was always tied 
behind, answered several purposes, besides that of holding 
the dress together. In cold weather the mittens, and 
sometimes the bullet-bag, occupied the front part of it. 
To the right side was suspended the tomahawk, and to the 
left the scalping-knife in its leathern sheath. The hunting- 
shirt was generall}'^ made of linsey, sometimes of coarse 
linen, and a few of dressed deer-skins. These last were 
very cold and uncomfortable in wet weather." — Doddridge' s 
Notes. 



Miscellaneous Matters. 173 

THE HOUSES AND FURNITURE OF THE PIONEERS OF COSHOCTON 

COUNTY. 

The house was built of logs laid one upon another, all 
being notched, so that the end and side logs would hold 
each to the other. The roof was made out of boards split 
out of short blocks or pieces of logs, called " clap-boards." 
The cracks between the logs were stopped with clay. A 
door was made by sawing or cutting the logs on one side 
of tlie house, so as to make an opening about three feet 
wide. The opening was secured by upright pieces of tim- 
ber, three inches thick, into which holes were bored into 
the ends of the logs, for the purpose of pinning them fast, 
and helping to keep the logs in their place. The door 
was made of clap-boards, such as were on the roof. At one 
end was the fire-place, made of a few stones, and the chim- 
ney, formed of sticks daubed over with mud. There was 
a little opening that could be covered by a board for a 
window, or sometimes an opening covered over with a piece 
of greased-paper or rag. 

As to the furniture, there was a table made by splitting 
u log and patting some sticks for feet on the rounded side. 
A few chairs were sometimes made in the same way. Some 
wooden-pins were driven into the logs, whereon to lay clap- 
boards for shelves for dishes, etc. A forked-stick was set 
in the floor, which was either made of split-logs, called 
"puncheons" or. of earth, and into the fork of this one 
end of a stick was put, the other going into the log in the 
side of the house. Upon the rest thus made some sticks 
were placed, the other end of them going in between the 
logs which formed the wall of the house. Into these wall- 
logs were driven a few wooden-pins, whereon were hung 
the gowns of linsey belonging to the women, and the hunt- 
ing-shirts of the men. Usually two small forks or bucks' 
horns were fastened up, whereon rested the rifle and shot- 
pouch, etc. Not a nail nor a piece of glass was anywhere 
used. A wooden latch for the door was made, and a string 
of leather or flax ran through a hole in the door to the 
outside, aud when " outsiders " were not wanted this string 



174 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

was pulled in. The " latch-string out " was thus the sign 
of hospitality. The table-ware consisted of a few earthen- 
ware or pewter dishes, and an iron pot or skillet, or both, 
and some wooden bowls or trenchers, or perhaps a few 
gourds, made up the kitchen and table furniture. A hand- 
mill or a mortar and pestle to prepare the grain for cooking 
was a housekeeping utensil found in some families, but 
many did not command these, and one served sometimes 
for several neighbors. The most " fore-handed" men that 
came into the county had for some years little or nothing 
better than these things. 

LOUIS PHILIPPE AT COSHOCTON. 

Among the accepted traditions of Coshocton is one that 
old Colonel "Williams kicked out of his tavern the above- 
named famous Frenchman, who, having been compelled to 
flee his own country, w^as traveling in America about the 
close of the last century. 

Louis was on the throne when G. W. Silliman visited 
Paris, and he reported upon his return that the king, 
in an interview, had spoken of his travels in the Western 
country, and stated that he had been very shabbily treated 
at a tavern at the forks of a river, whose landlord was de- 
scribed in such way as to satisfy Silliman that it must have 
been Williams. 

The latter, upon being spoken to, said he remembered 
the circumstance. That Louis had complained of the ac- 
commodations as very unbefitting a king, and that he had 
informed him that all the people in this country were sov- 
ereigns, and that, if he did not like what satisfied them, he 
could get out of the house, and he would help him out, 
as he then did, wdth the toe of his boot. 

It is said, however, that, as a historical fact, Louis Phil- 
ippe was on shipboard, on his way back to France, before 
Williams kept any tavern at the forks. 

In later years, there was living in Coshocton a somewhat 
famous character, who, when in liquor, always fancied 
himself "Andrew Jackson." It may have been that Will- 
iams' French king was a man of the same style. 



Miscellaneous Matters. 175 

People who fancy that the importance of either Williams 
or the town may be increased thereby can still " hold the 
tradition," and possibly find some way of removing the 
little anachronism alleged in the case. 

HOW TO RAISE A LARGE FAMILY. 

One of the " old settlers," who had reared a very large 
family, though a comparatively very poor man, was asked 
how in the world he had done it. " IS.0 trouble at all," 
said the old man. " Commenced with a pot of mush, and 
as each child came, just put in a little more water and gave 
a few more stirs." 

INDIAN STORIES. 

" Indian stories," among many of the old settlers, were 
largely the stock in trade. A man was not much in the 
old-time bar-rooms, who could not tell some tall stories. 

The fact is thoroughly established that after 1795 there 
were very few Indians within the territory afterward em- 
braced in Coshocton county. In Tuscarawas county, some 
years later, there were some of the Christian Indians ; but 
such as were found in the region of Coshocton were strag- 
gling bands, or sellers of game, or individual strollers. 

For thirty years before 1795 the whites had been seeking 
to occupy the land, and the Indians struggling to maintain 
their hold ; and about that time the whole upper Muskin- 
gum valley and the Tuscarawas valley were almost unin- 
habited, the two races having scourged each other out of 
them. 

Despite all this, stories were told of how frightened the 
wives and children of the first settlers were, who could 
hear at night the Indians prowling about the huts and 
cabins in which they were sleeping. 

One of the old fellows, who attached great importance 
to Indian experiences, was once, when somewhat set up 
with liquor, relating some wonderful things, when some 
one, interrupting him, asked him if there were many In- 
dians in the county when he came into it. Eying his 
questioner sharply, he answered, " Indians plenty ! I guess 
there were. Why, when I came, if a man got oif the canal- 



176 Historical Collections of Coshocton County, 

boat and took a few steps into the woods, he would get shot 
just full of arrows." This a quarter of a century after the 
Indians were all removed ! 

BACKWOODS SPORTS. 

In "house raisings," "corn huskings," "fox hunts," and 
" rifle matches," the early settlers, who had no special in- 
terest in horse races or "fisticuffs," found largely their 
amusements. In some parts of the county, a custom pre- 
vailed in relation to observing Christmas and New Year's 
day that has been thus reported : 

The country around was wild, and but little cultivated. 
A rifle was an indispensable article for house-keeeping, 
even before the hewed-out log cradle, or the harrow made 
by taking a forked stick and driving some wooden pins in 
it. On the days above named, thirty or forty " neighbors " 
would come together, some of them coming for twenty 
miles, and, as noiselessly as possible, getting in a circle 
around a previously selected house, about two or three 
o'clock in the morning, they would all fire their rifles and 
simultaneously give a yell. The sequel of the matter was 
they were all invited into the house and furnished with 
something hot to eat or drink. 

If our readers do not think they would have enjoyed that 
kind of sport, perhaps they might have enjoyed the follow- 
ing: 

Weddings were big things in the pioneer days. The 
" neighbors " for twenty miles around would commonly be 
invited. The understanding was that those coming in by 
certain roads would gather at a designated place on each 
road, about two miles from where the wedding was to take 
place. And then for a race! 

The mother of the groom was provided in advance with 
a supply of bottles of whisky, and as the foremost of tlie 
horsemen on each road came in he was presented by her 
with a bottle, and an elegant ruffler was placed upon the 
horse's neck, ornamented also with gay-colored ribbons. 
When the horsemen were all in, the hills echoed and re- 



Miscellaneous Matters. 177 

echoed the shouts of the people, who were braced for this 
by copious draughts from the bottles. 

In the earlier days the amusements may have had more 
of what is now called " coarseness " than some of the mod- 
ern ones, but then they were generally more health-promot- 
ing, and, according to every testimony, full as " clean " as 
the latter. 

Elements of evil could readily be found in either, and 
those not less than these had their true character beneath 
the exterior. 

It is certain the social life of the people was not less joy- 
some than now. For a few years, there were not apples 
enough in the county for " a bee," but they after a time had 
a place. 

In the townships largely peopled by New Englanders and 
Western Pennsylvanians, the singing-school aftbrded the 
diversion as well as often something better. 

And then " sparking " was much in vogue — just the thing 
for a new country — said, indeed, to have originated there. 
The process was readily learned, generally practiced, and 
so familiar that old people never stop to inquire about it, 
but very young do, and for these let it be told how it was 
done. 

The log houses in those days, it will be remembered, had 
but one room, or, if more, commonly but one with a fire- 
place. Bed time came, and the children crawled up a lad- 
der into the loft; the old folks went to bed in a quiet way in 
one corner of the room. The wood lire has been glowing 
and cracking all through the evening, but has pretty well 
burned out, and, " for sake of the old people," the frag- 
ments are drawn together and slightly covered over with 
ashes, and thenceforth there is only a dull red glow, with 
now and then a " spark " springing with a slight snap from 
the wood. Now was the time for the bashful lover and coy 
maiden, and then were carried on the love afiairs, designated 
in one locality and set " sparking," and in another " court- 
ing," and in another " paying and receiving attentions," but, 
in one phrase or another, everywhere readily recognized 
and approved. 



lyS Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 



CHAPTER XX. 

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

1. The Killing of Cartmill, " the Post-Boy." 2. Shocking Murders in Cosh- 
octon County. 3. Colored People in Coshocton County. 4. Fires in Pns- 
coe — An Incident and a Joke. 5. A Bundle of First Things. 6. Relics 
and Curiosities in Personal Possession. 7. Coshocton Wags in Early 
Days. 8. T/ie Treasury Robbery. 9. Humor of the Crusade. 

THE MURDER OF "WILLIAM CARTMILL, THE POST-BOY. 

The whole Tuscarawas valley was excited in 1825 by the 
murder of William Cartmill. He was shot from his horse, 
while carrying the mail, at a point just beyond the line of 
Coshocton county, in what in those days was called " the 
"Wilderness," near by a station on the Marietta and Cleve- 
land railroad, a few miles south of JSTew Comerstown, now 
called Post Boy. Cartmill was a resident of Coshocton, a 
brother of Mrs. Richards, who died January, 1876. John 
Smeltzer, a trader of Coshocton, who had taken a drove of 
horses on east, was, at the time, on the road some miles be- 
hind the post-boy ; and it has always been the idea of many 
people in Coshocton that the assassin mistook his man, 
and, when killing the mail-carrier, supposed he was shoot- 
ing Smeltzer, and would get a considerable part of the 
price of the drove of horses sold by him. A man named 
Johnson, out hunting, was the first to discover Cartmell, 
and declared he was drawn to the spot by hearing the 
crack of a rifle. The mail-bag was rifled. The neighbors 
aroused by Johnson arrested him, and he was put into jail 
in New Philadelphia. The foot-prints on the ground just 
at the spot where the murder was committed were subse- 
quently measured, and did not tall}' at all with those made 
by him. Wliile still in jail, he told the sheriff that he had 
just caught a glimpse of the murderer as he glided into 
the woods, and thought he would recognize him if he 
should see the man agaiu. The entire male population of 



Miscellaneous Matters. 179 

the locality where the crime was committed were requested 
to meet at the jail at a time appointed; and they having 
done so, Johnson carefully scanned each one, and finally 
selected out of the crowd one John Fnnston, declaring 
"that is the man." Funston at once sharpl}^ answered 
him, " You are a liar." He was, however, put into jail, 
and, after a trial and conviction, confessed the crime. 

The murder took place on the 9th of September, 1825, 
and the execution upon the gallows in ISTew Philadelphia 
was on the 28th of December in the same year. Of course 
Johnson was released. 

The horse which Cartmill rode belonged to T. L. Rue, 
and J. W. Rue, of Coshocton, made a business trip on it 
the same Fall to Cincinnati. 

By the way, Cartmill's sister, mentioned in the forego- 
ing, had a ver}- peculiar experience in relation to the violent 
deaths of no less than three of her near family connections. 
Her brother's case is given above. Her first husband, John 
Markley, was killed on election day in 1816, at Coshocton, 
by a stab from the hands of a man with whom he had an 
altercation, and who came upon hjm unawares and escaped. 
Her son by her second marriage, Joseph K. Richards, had 
been in a saloon, and some words had passed between him 
and a man named Ward. Richards had left the place and 
crossed the street, when an injury was received (either from 
a stone thrown, or as a consequence of a fall directly after 
being hit with the stone), that caused his death. This oc- 
curred in the fall of 1868. 

SHOCKING MURDERS IN COSHOCTON COUNTY. 

It is perhaps not best to keep fresh the recollection of 
those sad manifestations of the weakness and wickedness 
of human nature which have come out in great crimes. 
Of course Coshocton county has not been without its share 
of these things. Some of them committed under the influ- 
ence of drink, and others growing out of family difiiculties 
based upon jealousy, or unexpectedly arising out of some 
broil, to the after grief of those having part in them, we 
may well pass by. And yet they all may be useful to teach 



i8o Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

a community that extravagant and unregulated passion of 
any kind is a root full of cost and curse of every kind. 
One thing is noticeable, and that is this, that although nu- 
merous persons have been indicted for murder in the first 
degree, there has never yet been a case of capital punish- 
ment. 

George Arnold and John Markley having previously had 
one or more altercations, the former, on an election day in 
1816, in Coshocton, approached stealthily and plunged a 
knife into the latter, causing his death in a little while. 
Arnold's reputation as a " rough " was so great, and the 
confused amazement of the bystanders so great, that he 
was allowed to escape, never more to be heard of in "these 
parts." This having been the first shocking murder com- 
mitted in the county, made an impression not yet efliaced 
nor overshadowed by occurrences of later date. 

In the estimate among horrors, perhaps no case has gone 
beyond that of the Mrs. Wade murder. 

At the March (1819) term of the Court of Common Pleas 
John Gearhart was tried for murder in the killing of one 
Matilda AVade on the 28th day of September, 1848. Rich- 
ard Still well, president judge, and B. li. Shaw, Sam'l Elliott, 
and James Le Retilley, associate judges, were on the bench. 
Thomas Campbell was prosecuting attorney, and William 
Sample, Esq., assisted in the prosecution. The defendant's 
attorneys vv-ere David Spangler, J. C. Tidball, and James 
Matthews. The grand jury at the October (1848) term had 
indicted him for murder in the first degree, James Moore, of 
Jefferson township, being the foreman. The petit jury 
were Joel Glover, D. W. Burt, Samuel Winklepleck, John 
Carnahan, Abraham T. Jones, Thomas Boggs, Daniel 
Forker, S. C. Crichtield, Joshua Clark, James Whittaker, 
Stephen Donley, and Andrew Ferguson. 

The proof showed that Mrs. AVade, the wife of a drug- 
gist in Roscoo, was doing some washing for herself in the 
basement or cellar of the hotel where she was boardinor. 
In a little time she was missed, and blood was found where 
she had been at work. Her husband was sent for, and, as 
there was an unused cistern near where she had been wash- 



Miscellaneous Matters. i8i 

ing, and traces of blood to it, he was let down into it, and 
found his wife at the bottom. She was drawn up, and it 
was found that her head had been nearly severed from the 
body. The defendant had been employed to tend the sta- 
bles and chop wood, etc., and was seen, a few minutes be- 
fore the woman was found, whetting his axe. Upon this 
axe and upon the defendant's clothing blood was found. 
The plea on the trial was " not guilty " — the line of defense 
" insanity." The jury convicted of murder in the second 
degree. Gearhart was sentenced to the penitentiary for 
life. He died with cholera about three months after being 
placed in the penitentiary. 

The killing of Abraham Wertheimer, and the trial and 
conviction of Frank Ept therefor, are still fresh in the 
minds of our citizens. 

On the morning of November 21 (Sabbath), 1875, Jsaac 
Wertheimer, a clothing merchant in Coshocton, was called 
on at his house by a friend, who stated that he had failed 
to secure some needed articles of wearing apparel the night 
before, and would like to have him go with him to the 
store. W. asked him why he himself had not gone to the 
store, observing that his son Abraham was sleeping there, 
and could have attended to the matter. The reply was he 
had been there, but could get no response. Impressed with 
the idea that something might be amiss, the father speedily 
accompanied the man, and, upon entering the store, the 
body of young Wertheimer (twenty j-ears of age), welter- 
ing in gore, and evidently dead some hours, was discovered 
on the couch he was accustomed to sleep on. Alarm was 
given, and in a little time the excited crowd became firm 
in the conviction that the murder had been committed by 
a journeyman tailor named Frank Ept, who was missing. 
It was learned that a fast train, which usually went east 
about two o'clock in the morning, had been behind time 
that morning, not being in Coshocton until eight, and 
chances of escape by railroad had probably failed the culprit. 
Patrols were sent out in every direction, and the whole 
country aroused. Late in the afternoon, word came of the 
capture of the supposed murderer near Port Washington, 



i82 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

in Tuscarawas county, twenty-two miles east of Coshocton, 
near the line of the railroad ; and about dusk, amid the in- 
tensest excitement of an immense crowd gathered about 
the doors of the jail, Ept was lodged in it. 

At the February (1876) term of the Court of Common 
Pleas, a grand jury, composed of the following persons, 
viz.: John McFarland, New Castle township; Benton 
Clark, Jackson township; William Biggs, of same town- 
ship; Daniel McConnell, of Wasliington; Henry Schmueser, 
of Franklin ; Henry N". Shaw, of Tuscarawas ; Oliver 
Crawford, of Crawford ; Thomas Martin, of Franklin ; E. 
C. Haight, of Jackson ; John Seitzcr, of Oxford ; Thomas 
Smailes, of Virginia; John Mulligan, of Tuscarawas; 
James B. Heslip, of Linton ; L. J. Bonnell, of Tusca- 
rawas ; and Waldo Adams, of same township (Henry 
Schmueser being the foreman), indicted Ept for murder in 
the first degree, the return being made February 11, 1876. 
On the 22nd of February, the judge (Wm. Reed) appointed 
Wm. Sample and R. M. Voorhees, Esquires, to act as attor- 
neys for the accused, who was arraigned on the 26th, and 
plead not guilty. The case was continued until the May 
term. A special jury, consisting of Geo. Stringfellow, of 
Tiverton township; Abraham Weatherwax, of Clark; 
John Johnson, of Bedford ; Daniel Fair, of Clark ; R. W. 
Thompson, of Keene ; Laban Headington, of Clark ; High- 
land Wright, of Virginia; Moses Finley, of Virginia; F. 
W. Powell, of Adams ; James Workman, of Tiverton ; Wil- 
lard Nichols, of White Eyes;»and Robert Doak, of Craw- 
ford, were sworn May 5, 1876. The court-room was 
crowded during the whole trial, ending with a verdict of 
guilty of murder in the first degree, on Sabbath morning. 
May 14, 1876, at nine o'clock. W. S. Crowcll, Esq., pros- 
ecuting attorney, was assisted by John D. Nicholas, Esq. 

The testimony showed Ept (native of Bavaria, born in 
1842, having been some three years in this country, having 
father and mother and other relatives in Columbus, Ohio) 
to have been working for some time with Isaac Werth- 
eimer; to have gained acceiss to the store on the fatal night 
by a plea of being sick ; to have killed young Wertheimer 



Miscellaneous Matters. 183 

witli a dull hatchet and tailor's goose ; to have tried to 
break open the safe ; to have packed up a good supply 
of tine clothing in a new satchel, along with the bloody 
tailor's goose ; to have taken the watch and revolver, 
etc., of young Wertheimer ; to have left the store and 
gone up to the railroad about the time the fast train was 
due, and to have stealthily pursued his way along and near 
the railroad track until his capture, which was effected by 
John Bolton, James Reed, and Isaac Mulatt, all of Cosh- 
octon. The defence set up was insanity — " homicidal 
mania." 

Sentence was pronounced by Judge Reed, on May 24th, 
iixing the 29th of September, 1876, as the day for execution 
by the gallows. 

COLORED PEOPLE IN COSHOCTON COUNTY. 

Pryor Foster was the first colored man of note in Cosh- 
octon county. He was the reputed agent of the " Under- 
ground Railroad." About 1839, several " fugitives " stopped 
with him on their way to Canada. The United States offi- 
cers were in hot pursuit, but Foster and those in sympathy 
with him, or so far respecting him individually that they 
would not involve him in trouble, fixed matters, so that for 
a time they were safe, lodging the fugitives among some 
rocks up the Walhonding. They were, however, ultimately 
recaptured and taken south. 

Several of the old families from Virginia were followed 
to their new homes, in the north-western territory, by some 
of their servants. The Robinsons had two or three ; the 
Darlings brought one ; and " Aunt Letty Thomas " came 
with the Simmons family. The latter was for many years 
at service, and afterward kept a boarding-house. She 
started an eating-house in 1855, for the railroad at Coshoc- 
ton (then the principal eating station), and made it a favor- 
ite place for the hands and passengers. The business proved 
profitable, and she enlarged and extended the building 
until it was substantially the "-Hackinson House" of to- 
day. She removed to Oberlin, and later to Washington 
City. The Waring family came in at an early day from 



184 Historical Collections of Coshocton Cou7ity. 

near Richmond, Virginia, settled on Killbuck, and, by their 
becoming conduct, long enjoyed the esteem of the whole 
community. One of the young men studied at Wilberforce 
University at Xenia, and became quite a successful teacher 
in Ohio and among the freedmen in Tennessee. In 1855, 
the only colored people in the county were the Warings 
and Aunt Letty Thomas' family. In 1876, there were 
about thirty. Old Mr. Darling set up, on a farm in Knox 
county, the colored man who came in with him, but he 
did not do well. An effort was made to " abduct " those 
who had come in with the Robinsons, and place them in 
bondage in Kentucky. But in some unaccountable way 
(their captors claimed not by them), they were shot at 
Chillicothe. This was not long after they had first come 
to the county. C. Dorsey Avas the first of his race to do 
jury duty — served in a corporation case, 1875. 

FIRES IN ROSCOE ; AN INCIDENT AND A JOKE TOUCHING IT. 

Roscoe has had a noticeable experience in the matter of 
fires. The store of D. L. Triplett, the brick hotel adjoin- 
ing, the " Union Flouring Mill " in tlie lower part of the 
town, the M. E. church, the brick hotel (standing where 
the Ilutchins House now is), and other buildings in the cen- 
tral part, the Roscoe Flouring Mill, two woolen factories, 
and the distillery in the upper part of the town, are readily 
recalled as among the chief conflagrations. By the way, it 
is said that when the distillery burned, one of the most 
prominent temperance men in all the region was most vig- 
orously at work, with coat off, to stay the ravages of the 
fire. Some one twitting him afterward about this, he 
claimed that after all he had been thoroughly consistent, 
for his main efibrts had been directed to saving the water 
wheel ! 

A BUNDLE OF FIRST THINGS. 

The first marriage in Coshocton county was that of John 
llershman and Elizabeth Baker, by William Whitten, 
J. P., in Coshocton, May 1, 1812. 

The first white child born on the territory now in Cosh- 



Miscellaneous Matters. 185 

octon comity, or, at all events, among the white settlers, 
was Joseph Evans, a son of Isaac Evans, born October 3, 
1801. He grew up to manhood, and spent most of his life 
in the county as a farmer and a canal-boat captain. He 
removed to Illinois in 1853, and died August 23, 1867. His 
son, Isaac Evans, lives in Peoria, 111., having as his wife the 
great-grand-daughter of an old neighbor of his grand- 
father, Phebe Wagoner. 

The first brick house built in Coshocton was that at the 
northeast corner of Second and Chestnut streets. The first 
in Roscoe was built by Theophilus Phillips, and used as a 
hotel, as was also the one in Coshocton. These houses were 
both as good in their day as the " Price House," in Coshoc- 
ton, of to-day, with its three stories and handsome one hun- 
dred feet front.* 

The first bell in the county was the one now on the court- 
house, bought in 1834. When the canal-boat bringing'it 
got within the county the captain commenced to ring it, 
and continued to do so at intervals until Roscoe was 
reached, where a vast and pleased crowd greeted it. The 
bell was bought for the commissioners in Troy, N". Y., by 
W. K. Johnson, and cost $131. 

The first coal-burning cooking-stove used in the county 
was set up by William Tidball in 1856, when opening what 
is now the " City Hotel," in Coshocton. By the way, Mr. 
Tidball himself is almost old enough to find a place among 
" first things," being now ninety-five years of age. He was 
born in Alleghany county. Pa., and spent the active years of 
his life in Holmes county. He had a good deal of enter- 
prise for an old man when he set up that stove. 



* Erected in ] 875 by the Coshocton Planing Mill Companj^ corner 
of Sixth and Walnut streets, at a cost of $20,000. 



1 86 Historical Collections of Coshocto7i County. 



RELICS AND CURIOSITIES IN PERSONAL POSSESSION. 

John Burt, of Coshocton, has a watch (tortoise-shell, 
bound with gold case) belonging to his grand-father (Foght). 
It was carried by the elder gentleman through the Revo- 
lutionary war. 

"Aunty" Hay, near Coshocton, has a bible brought from 
Ireland, more than a hundred years old, 

J. W. Rue, of Coshocton, has two books — saved from his 
father's library when it was burned — one a hundred and 
fifty and the other two hundred years old. 

F. W. Thornhill has a doctor's lance, with which a sur- 
geon in the Revolutionary war used to bleed the patriots 
and the Hessian prisoners. 

M. L. Norris, near Coshocton, has a padlock-key, picked 
up in Chicago, which he avers is the one that locked the 
door of the stable in which Mrs. O'Leary was milking the 
cow that kicked over the lamp that started " the great fire." 

T. C. Ricketts has the set of books kept in his father's 
store from 1819 on for some years. John Smeltzer is un- 
derstood to liave been the book-keeper. The penmanship 
is admirable ; the ink was good. The accounts show that 
somebody used a good deal of whisky in the days of the 
forefathers. Some of the customers came all the way from 
near Millersburg, in what now is Holmes county, after a 
quai-t, paying only twelve and one-half cents for it. The 
election and muster days can be readily discerned by the 
increased sales of "the juice." 

James M. Burt, of Lafayette township, has a silver to- 
bacco-box bearing the imprint of a bullet, received while it 
was in the pocket of his grand-father (Foght) at the battle 
of Monmouth, in the Revolutionarv war. 



Miscellaneous Matters. 187 

Joab Agnew, of Roscoe, has a whale-boue cane, with 
gold head, presented to his father by Commodore Stockton, 
of the United States navy. 

THE TREASURY ROBBERY, AND THE TRIALS. 

Brief mention of the robbery of the Coshocton county 
treasury has been made in another place in this volume, 
but additional details are here given. 

On the night of January 21, 1859, about one o'clock, the 
attention of Hiram Taylor, who was passing through the 
j^ublic square at the time, was arrested by sounds of some 
one, as if in distress, coming from the county treasurer's 
office, that being in the up-stairs room on the north side of 
the building, just north of the court-house. 

He gave the alarm, and soon the sheriff and some other 
parties were assembled, and proceeded to the office of the 
treasurer. Bursting open the door, they found Mr. 
Ketchum, the treasurer, tightly bound, and with a gag in 
his mouth, displaced enough \o allow him to make some 
outcry. 

The court-house bell was rung, and soon a considerable 
company of citizens was gathered, and the town generally 
alarmed. 

The treasurer told his story — how that having remained 
in the office to pay, at special request, some witnesses in a 
case in progress that evening, so that they might take a 
late train home, two men (one with a big shawl) had 
come into the office and made inquiries about a little back 
tax ; and that while he was intent upon the books, looking 
the matter up, the one cast the shawl over his head, and 
the other seized him, and by their united exertions he was 
bound and gagged. The keys were taken, and the moneys 
taken out of the safe, and the robbers withdrew. 

Much sympathy was expressed for the treasurer, and at 
a public meeting of citizens of Coshocton, and some from 
the county, this sympathy found expression in resolutions 
which read a little strangely now-a-days. The meeting 
urged the commissioners to spare no expense or effort in 
the ferreting out and punishing the bold miscreants who 



1 88 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

had injured the treasurer and robbed the people. It also 
advised that Wm. Bachelor, Esq., be employed to go about 
almost at will in search of the criminal. And there was 
much hurrying to and fro. But no clue was announced. 

At length, two men were put on trial ; but the treasurer 
could only swear that one of them looked like one of the 
men that came into his office. 

After a time, legislative relief was sought, and the treas- 
urer and his sureties freed from the charge of the amount 
stolen. 

Time passed on. Ketchum stepped out of his office by 
" resignation," but showed no signs of guilt — only seemed 
worried by his " misfortune." 

Among other plans looking to discover}' of the robbers, 
the commissioners of the county requested by special mes- 
senger that banks should be on their lookout for such 
money as was taken — nearly all of it being in bills on the 
State Bank of Ohio. 

In May, after the robbery, *notice came from the Bank of 
Cadiz that a package of stained and musty bank-notes had 
been presented at their bank for redemption by James M. 
Brown, of Coshocton. Brown was called upon lor an ex- 
planation, and his statement was written down and pre- 
served ; but as it could not be discovered that he was using 
more money than he had apparently been using before the 
robbery, the suspicions against him died out and were for- 
gotten. 

Years passed away, and no clue to the robbery could be 
obtained. Brown, however, was closely watched. While 
no offense had ever been proven on him, he had estab- 
lished a reputation from boyhood for being eager in the 
pursuit of money — keen to acquire it, and close to hold 
it. lie had been for some time engaged in "shaving" 
operations, and had not by some of these helped his repu- 
tation, though evidently tilling his purse. He was mak- 
ing money rapidly in a year or two after the robbery, and 
no one could tell just how. 

In December, 1864, he was charged with burglary on 
Ward's drug-store, and at next term of court indicted 



Miscellaneous Matters, 189 

therefor. About this time he was not to be fomid 
in Coshocton, nor thereabouts. An unsuccessful attempt 
was made to bring him from Canada, where he was after 
a time discovered operating largely in gold, and with, it 
was reported, some $58,000 in ready funds. 

In 1865, facts enough had come to light to warrant the 
grand jury in finding an indictment for robbing the treas- 
ury, and another for receiving the money stolen. The state 
proposed a trial in December, but Brown obtained a change 
of venue to Licking county, and by some informality in 
proceedings could not then be compelled to go to trial 
there unless he chose, which he did not. 

Meantime, testimony was increasing to show that Brown 
never got his moneys where he alleged — chiefly from some 
parties in Kentucky. Just at this stage the attorney -general 
of the State commenced civil process against Brown for the 
state's proportion of funds abstracted from the treasury, 
attaching all his property — his farm, a mile below Coshoc- 
ton, and many valuable properties he had within a few 
years purchased in the town. Quarters were now getting 
close. 

At this time. Brown commenced suit in Franklin county 
against Ketchum for the balance on a note given by him 
to Brown for |18,000. He alleged it was money loaned 
to Ketchum in his line of business as a broker. Ketchum 
said it was " hush " paper given without any consideration ; 
that in June, 1857, he had discovered a " shortage" in his 
accounts as treasurer, and had got Brown at that time 
to lend him that amount ; that he repaid it, and Brown 
insisted as a matter of comity upon getting occasionally 
sums from the treasurer ; that, to prevent exposure of his 
deficits, he borrowed on other occasions, but that ulti- 
mately Brown had the advantage, and threatened to 
have Ketchum prosecuted as a defaulter. Ou the 22d 
of January, 1859, the commissioners were to examine 
the treasury. To cover up the deficiency the sham 
robbery was planned. On the 21st of January, 1859, 
Brown came into the office, and suggested tbe carrying out 
of the plan, stating that he (the treasurer) must be discov- 



190 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

ered next day and go to the penitentiary anyhow ; that he 
agreed to the arrangement, provided Brown would give 
up the ^18,000 note, on which he had, as alleged, paid him 
$14,000 (as the credits on the notes showed), and also give 
up a $2,000 note, secured by mortgage on Ketch urn's house in 
Lafayette; that Brown promised to do all this, but said he 
did not have the notes with him, but that after the smoke 
had blown away he would give up all notes, and give him 
a good portion of whatever he could get out of the 
safe that night. The bargain was made ; Brown tied the 
treasurer, put the gag in his mouth, and carried away every 
dollar, amounting to some $16,000 or $18,000, including the 
whole sum in the treasurer's private safe. 

This was the treasurer's statement, as forced out of him 
by Brown's suit in Franklin county. And now another 
indictment was in place. 

April 16, 1867, Samuel Ketchum and James M. Brown 
were indicted for embezzlement, by simulated fraud, from 
county treasury, and put under bonds of $20,000 each. 

Brown got a change of venue to Licking county. The 
trial began January 14th and closed February 2d, by the 
jury failing to agree. A subsequent trial, begun March 18, 
1869, worked Brown's conviction. This also was held in 
Newark. 

On law points the case was carried to the Supreme Court, 
but sentence was finally passed, and Brown and Ketchum 
were fellow prisoners in the Ohio Penitentiary, as elsewhere 
noticed. The attorneys for the State were A. G. Dimmock, 
R. M. Voorhees, E. T. Spangler, Wm. Sample, and C. Hoy; 
and for Brown, Nicholas and James. Campbell and 
Voorhees were Ketchum's attorneys. 

Sheritf John Hesket (who was a bondsman of Ketch- 
um), Colonel James Irvine, C. II. Johnson, and James M. 
Sells (and Sheriff Rankin, of Licking county), are recog- 
nized as having played prominent parts in these famous 
cases. 

COSHOCTON WAGS IN EARLY DAYS. 

No greater "wags" ever lived than two Coshocton 
boys, Bill — n- and Sam . Old Deacon E 1 had 



Miscellaneous Matters. 191 

raised a nice lot of watermelons, and, just as tliey were 
ready for use, found the boys w^ere after them. The two 
above-named were his apprentices at the time, and finally, 
as helping the old gentleman to discover what boys had 
been on hand, proposed to try " the track," when, lo ! to 
the old man's horror, it was discovered that his own shoes 
just fitted the tracks ; the boys, when they went to the 
patch, taking the precaution to "hook" the old gentle- 
man's shoes as the first step. 

A couple of festive youths from the rural districts, on one 
occasion, came to town, and inquired of one of the above 
wags if he could direct them to a house of certain (here 
nameless) sort. He, after a little hesitation, suggested that 
they might go about dusk to a certain house which had 
just been left vacant, and matters would be all right. He 
then notified his cronies, and while the aforesaid young 
men were seeing the lions in the groceries, etc., they hastily 
gathered into the old house a few articles of furniture and 
utensils, giving the place an inhabited appearance. At the 
appointed time, one of the town " b!hoys," arrayed in female 
apparel, received "the guests" at the door, and they were 
just beginning to feel at home, when in rushed a party of 
young men, who made things so lively for the rustic gen- 
tlemen that they were glad to escape with their lives ! 

HUMORS OF THE CRUSADE. 

Among the humors of "the Crusade" was the case of one 

"Christ" S h. He had been put on trial for violating 

the beer ordinance. The case being about over, there was 
some little talk between the justice and the lawyers about 
the penalty, and especially about going to jail. At this 
juncture, "Christ" broke out with — "Jail! oh me can no 
go to shail. Vy, vot would become of mine shop and mine 

bakery? Now, dare is Christ E 1; he got nnthing to 

do, vy can't he go to shail, and leve me alone ?" The point 
made was a double one, especially in view of the fact that 
the "substitute" proposed having been out of employment 
for some time, had been acting as a sort of Deputy Mar- 
shal, especially in Crusade cases. 



192 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 



CHAPTER XXL 

THE CHL-RCHF.S — GENERAL STATEMENTS DETAILED ACCOUNTS OF THE BAPTIST, 

CHRISTIAN, CATHOLIC, AND LUTHERAN CHURCHES. 

There are in Coshocton county, at this time, some 
eighty congregations, representing the various religious 
bodies. These conorresrations own church buildings costinor 
about $225,000. Ten of the congregations are reported as 
owning parsonages, which cost some $15,000 in all, rang- 
ing from $500 to $5,000 apiece. 

Many of the earlier settlers of the county did not have 
much appreciation of the clergy, and were not more in- 
clined to the church than to the school, and none of the de- 
nominations made much headway for nearly a score of 
years after the county was organized. Some of the set- 
tlers, however, invited the ministers of their old homes to 
come and preach to them in the wilderness, and these re- 
sponded. Ministers passing to and fro stopped and conducted 
religious services. Of course, at that day, there was no 
need to carry rifles to the meeting-places to protect from 
the Indians, as in the days of the fathers in "Western Penn- 
sylvania. " Grove-meetings " were often held. Some log 
churches were built, but even these were arranged for fire, 
and were not in this like the first sanctuaries in New 
England, and they had puncheon floors, and at least split- 
log seats ; and while there were " backwoods " appliances, 
there was little to now recall in amazement. Now and 
then there were at the services " some fellows of the baser 
sort," and it is said that on more than one occasion the 
preacher had occasion to display his muscle as well as 
mind and heart. 

Some of the doings would call to mind the story of the 
preacher, who, upon sending his hat around for a collec- 
tion, exclaimed as he surveyed its contents : " Thank God, 
I got my hat back from this crowd." One of the earliest 



Religious Institutions. 193 

preachers was reported to have been " a great fighter " in 
his old Maryland home, and, it was said, lost a piece of his 
nose, it having been bitten by his antagonist in a fight be- 
fore he came into the church. People came from a long 
distance to church, all usually on horseback. Poverty and 
ignorance and their glazed-eyed daughter indifterence 
were in the way to the success of the churches; but, after 
all, most of the trials were mutual to people and ministers, 
and had in them very little of romantic interest or striking 
character. What weariness and pain came to individuals 
— what struggles were required by godly women and noble 
men — in the building of the church even to its present 
height, in this county, would take more than a volume to 
tell. And yet these were of such sort as that they must 
appear in individual history, or necessarily lead to invidi- 
ous discrimination, and even then to tiresome repetition. 

BAPTIST CHURCHES.* 

Previous to 1825, we have no solid history of this de- 
nomination of Christian workers, more than that there 
were a few pioneer Baptist preachers, who traveled and 
preached the gospel in dwellings, school-houses, etc., 
wherever and whenever opportunity and circumstances 
made it their duty. As among the most prominent of 
these self-sacrificing ministers, we mention the names of 
Elders Stephen Norris, Wm. Spencer, and Amos Mix. 
But there were other ministers and devoted laymen, who 
aided much in planting the gospel in this county at that 
time. 

The first Baptist church organized in Coshocton county 
was the White Eyes Plains. This church was organized 
at the house of Isaac Evans, on said plains, November 5, 
1825, by Elders S. ISTorris and Wm. Spencer, with fourteen 
members. Elder ISTorris was the first pastor, and labored 
for them three years, when he was succeeded by Elder 
Wm. Spencer, who continued with them until about the 

* By Elder A. W. Oder. 



194 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

year 1831, at which time the church numbered about 
twenty-four members. 

Their places of worship were dwellings, school-houses, 
etc., in Oxford and Lafayette townships. In the later part 
of 1847, they completed a house of w^orship in the village 
of West Lafayette, having previously been at times nearly 
prostrate in power and influence. 

At the time of the formation of the Coshocton Baptist 
Association, August 25, 1845, this church had a member- 
ship of thirty-four, as nearly as can be ascertained from 
their records, which at times were badly kept. 

In the year 1850, the church built another house of wor- 
ship, near the center of Oxford township, to accommodate 
the eastern portion of the church, making it also a regular 
place of worship. 

In 1870, the church having increased largely in num- 
bers, .efficiency, and territory, divided into two separate 
and independent bodies. That portion which remained 
with the eastern part retained the name ot the White Eyes 
Baptist Church, and the other portion took the name of the 
West Lafayette Baptist Church. Since the separation, both 
have been doing good work for the Master, and are having 
regular service, and also keeping up good Sabbath-schools. 
The White Eyes church has a membership of about fifty, 
and Elder E. B. Seuter is their successful pastor. The 
West Lafayette church has about sixty-five members, un- 
der the well-received ministry of Elder J. F. Churchill. 
The order of the pastors that have labored with the White 
Eyes Plain church is as follows : Stephen Xorris, William 

Spencer, Pritchard, S. Price, L. Gilbert, H. Sayer, 

L. L. Root, II. Broom, A. W. Odor, J. G. Whitaker, L. 
Rhineheart, and E. B. Senter, who was serving them at 
the time they separated, and who continues with the White 
Eyes church. The ministers that have labored with the 
West Lafayette church since it became an independent body 
are E. B. Senter, G. W. Churchill, and J. F. Churchill, who 
is yet with them. 

Jefferson Regular Baptist Church, located in Jeflerson 



Religious Institutions. 195 

township, was organized in Ma}'-, 1840, by Elder B, White, 
with six members. It grew rapidly, and, in 1846, its member- 
ship was nearly one hundred, and in 1850, one hundred and 
thirty. Subsequently, it began to decrease in numbers, 
caused mostly by removals West and elsewhere. ISTot more 
than ten years elapsed until it was but a weak church, and 
since 1860 it has not been able to sustain preaching, and in 
fact is no longer to be properly called a church. The min- 
isters that have labored for this church are as follows : B. 
White, William Hears, L. Gilbert, J. M. Winn, R. R. 
Whitaker, S. W. Frederick, A. AV. Odor, under missionary 
employ, and A. "W. Arnold. The old frame house of wor- 
ship is almost a wreck. There are probably eighteen mem- 
bers. 

Tomika Regular Baptist Church, situated in Washington 
township, was organized January 5, 1828, with but three 
members, by Elder Amos Mix, who was its first pastor. 
For several years they had no house of worship, and the 
first one they built was a log one. In 1845, their member- 
ship had increased to about seventy -five. They have had 
their misfortunes and successes alternately, and at present 
have a frame-house of worship, capable of seating from 
three hundred to four hundred persons, and a membership 
of nearly sixty, with a good working Sabbath-school. 
Their pastor. Elder S. C. Tussing, closed his services with 
them a short time ago. Tlie order of the pastors who have 
labored for them since their organization is as follows : A. 
Mix, J. Frey, Sr., William Mears, L. L. Root, L. Gilbert, H. 
Sampson, J. Frey, Jr., S. West, R. R. Whitaker, B. Alen, 
E. B. Smith, J. W. Reed, A. W. Odor, E. Frey, J. C. Skin- 
ner, and S. C. Tussing. 

Clark Township Regular Baptist Church was organized 
June 19th, 1833, by T. G. Jones and E. Otis, with eleven 
members. Shortly after the organization, the church li- 
censed one of her members, B. White, to preach, and in 
June, 1834, he was ordained as an elder and called regularly 
to the pastorate, in which relation he continued about nine 



196 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

years. This church did not grow rapidly, and at no time 
could it boast a large membership, yet it has lived, and con- 
tinues to this day to hold forth the word of life through 
the labors of S. W. Frederick, who is their present pastor. 
After Elder White closed his labors as pastor of the church 
they went into strife and contention, until finally they di- 
vided into three separate bodies, but were afterward united 
as before, Elder White again becoming the pastor of the 
church. At this time the church has a membership of about 
thirty -five. They have a new frame house of worship, 
capable of seating three or four hundred persons. The 

order of pastors is as follows, viz : B. White, Am- 

merman, H. Sampson, J. W. Dunn, and S. W. Frederick. 

Mill Fork Regular Baptist Church, located in Virginia 
township, about eight miles southwest of Coshocton, was 
organized May 1st, 1840, by Elders William Mears and 
L. Gilbert, with fifty-two members. After the organiza- 
tion, the church grew rapidly, and in a few years had over 
one hundred members. Having reached a membership of 
one hundred and forty, the number decreased, and at pres- 
ent it is about eighty-five. Since 1850, this church has sent 
four of its members into the ministry, viz.: J. W. lieed, 
E. B. Senter, F. C. Wright, and A. W. Odor. The present 
pastor is Elder S. C. Tussing. The ministers that have 
served this church as pastors are as follows : Wm. Mears, 
L. Gilbert, T. W. Grier, L. L. Root, J. G. Whitaker, R. R. 
Whitaker, T. Evans, E. Smith, A. W. Odor, J. C. Skinner, 
and S. C. Tussing. They have a commodious frame house 
of worship, built in 1870. 

Mohawk Regular Baptist Church, located in Perry town- 
ship, was organized about the year 1841 or 1842. In 1846 
the membership was forty-nine, and in a few years was 
about one hundred ; but since that time has been gradually 
decreasing until 1870, when it was thirty-five. The pres- 
ent membership is about fifty. They have no minister 
at the present time. They have a small frame house of 
worship, iu tolerably good repair. The ministers that 



Religious Institutions. 197 

have labored as pastors are as follows ; S. Wickham, J. 
Frey, jr., R. R. Whitaker, A. W. Arnold, E. B. Senter, and 
S. W. Frederick. 

Tiverton Regular Baptist Church, located in Tiverton 
township, was organized in 1841. In 1854 there were 
about fifty members, and in 1860 over one hundred. Since 
that time the number has decreased, and although the 
membership is about seventy it can not be properly called 
an active church. They have a strong and capacious frame 
house of worship, but it is not in proper repair. The minis- 
ters that have labored with this church as pastors are as fol- 
lows : L. Gilbert, R. R. Whitaker, R. W. Lockhart, B. M. 
Morrison, A. W. Arnold, and S. W. Frederick. The Sun- 
day school still manifests some life. 

White Eyes Regular Baptist Church, located in White 
Eyes township, was organized in 1839, with fourteen mem- 
bers. For a time after the organization the church pros- 
pered, and in 1854 had a membership of sixty. From that 
time the number has decreased, and more than a year ago 
they met and disbanded, having at that time about fifteen 
members. Their house of worship is a small frame one, 
quite old. The ministers who have served this church as 
pastors are as follows : H. Sayer, B. White, R. R. Whita- 
ker, A. W. Odor, J. W. and H. Broom. 

Monroe Regular Baptist Church, located in Monroe town- 
ship, was organized in 1847, under the name of the Wolf 
Creek Church, and was subsequently changed to Monroe. 
When first organized she went forward, with seeming zeal 
for success, and in a few years had a membership of over 
sixty. In 1867 she changed her location, at that time hav- 
ing a membership of only twenty-seven. At present they 
report fifty-five members, but have no house of worship, 
using a school-house for that purpose. The ministers that 
have served as pastors to the Monroe church are as follows: 
J. M. Winn and L. L. Root, the latter having served the 
church for over twenty years and still continues. 



198 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Pleasant Hill Regular Baptist Church, located about five 
miles west of Roscoe, in Jackson township, on the graded 
road, was first organized in 1845, with about forty mem- 
bers. They advanced steadily for a few years, but in about 
fifteen years became virtually extinct. In 1862 they were 
reorganized, being named the Rock Hill Church. They 
made some progress, and in 1869 built a comfortable house 
of worship on its present site, being renamed Pleasant Hill. 
The ministers who have served as pastors of this church, 
from its first organization, are as follows : L. L. Root, H. 
Sampson, J. G. Whitaker, R. R. Whitaker, W. S. Barnes, 
A. W. Odor, S. W. Frederick, and E. B. Senter, who is their 
present pastor. 

Evav's Creek Begidar Baptist Church, located in Adams 
township, was organized in 1845, with about twenty mem- 
bers. In ten years the membership was about fifty. From 
that time the number began to decrease, and in 1866 they 
ceased to be a church. They once had a log house of wor- 
ship, but it has ceased to be serviceable. The ministers 
that furnished pastoral service to this church are as follows : 
R. R. Whitaker, J. G. Whitaker, A. W. Odor, and J. W. 
Morelaud. 

Peri'y Bcgular Baptist Church, located in the western part 
of Perry township, and formerly a branch of the Tomaka 
Church, was organized in 1860 as an independent body, 
with twenty-seven members. They have been slowly but 
steadily advancing, their number now being about forty. 
They have a small but neat frame house of worship, in tol- 
erably good repair. The ministers that have labored with 
them as pastors are as follows: S. West, R. R. Whitaker, 
E. B. iSenter, A. W. Odor, £. Frey, and A. W. Arnold. 

Darling's Ran Regular Baptist Church, located in Jefter- 
son township, was organized in 1866, with ten members. 
They advanced for some years, but have now conio to a 
stand-still condition, with a membership of a little over 
twenty. They have no house of worship, using a school- 



Religious Institutions. 199 

house for that purpose. They have had as pastors Elder 
W. S. Barnes and Rev. H. Clark. They have no pastor at 
present. 

Harmony Regular Baptist Church, located in Monroe town- 
ship, was organized in 1866, with about twenty members. 
Since that time it has steadily advanced, having at the 
present time over sixty members. They have no house of 
worship, using a school-house instead. They contemplate 
building soon. They have had as pastors A. W. Arnold 
and J. K. Linebauffh. The latter is still with them. 



*o" 



Canal Lewisville Regular BajMst Church was organized in 
1866, with twenty members. Since that time the number 
has increased to about forty. They have a small frame 
house of worship not very well adapted to the purpose. 
As pastors, they have had Elders L. L. Root, W. S. Barnes, 
and S, W. Frederick. 

Chestnut Ridge Regular Baptist Church, located in Tiver- 
ton township, was organized in 1873, with about twenty 
members. It has been striving for three years to do work 
for the Master, and the membership has increased to twenty- 
seven. They have built a comfortable frame house of wor- 
ship, and paid off all the incumbrances. They meet regu- 
larly, and have a good Sunday school. Elder J. K. Linebaugh 
preached for them before their organization, and has contin- 
ued to do so up to the present time. 

Chestnut Hill Regular Baptist Church, located one and a 
half miles east of Coshocton, was organized in 1875, with 
twenty members. They have no house of worship, but use 
the district school-house. They have a good Sabbath school 
kept up throughout the year, and at the present time have 
a membership of twenty-four. They have been visited oc- 
casionally by different ministers, and for some time were 
regularly supplied with preaching by Rev. H. Clark. At 
present they are under the oversight of Elder J. F. Churchill, 
of West Lafayette. 



200 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

A Regular Baptist Church was constituted at Coshocton 
on the 23d of August, 1834 — the services being held at the 
house of Wilson McGowan (who was a leading member, 
and for many years clerk of the congregation), and con- 
ducted by Elders John Pritchard, Geo. C. Sedgewick, Wm. 
Spencer, and Wm. Purdy. Elder Sedgewick Rice was the 
minister until May 5, 1838, when he was at his own request 
released. He died sometime thereafter, leaving a pleasant 
recollection of him in the community as a godly man and 
an able and earnest advocate of his church. After his 
services ceased, the church was supplied by several breth- 
ren for several years, until it seemed to have become practi- 
cally dissolved ahout 1848. The McGowan, Bryant, Welch, 
Burt, Coe, Carhart, Farwell, Loder, Miller, Estinghausen, 
Whittemore, Babcock, Sprague, Elliott, Wright, and Oder 
families seem to have been connected with this movement. 
At one time there were some thirty-seven members. The 
services were held in the court-house. Benjamin Coe was 
the last clerk of the congregation. 

Keene Hcr/idar Baptist Church was organized in 1850, with 
ahout twenty members, several of whom had been members 
of the church which had been organized and kept up for 
several years in the town of Coshocton, but at the above 
date had ceased to exist. The Keene Church built a good 
frame house of worship, but never made a successful ad- 
vance, and in 1866 failed to report to the association, hav- 
ing ceased to be a church proper. The house has since 
been burnt, and naught remains. The ministers who la- 
bored with this church were J. M. Winn, B. White, M. J. 
Barnes, and T. Evans. 

There were at different times four other organizations of 
Baptist Churches in Coshocton county beside the ones 
already noticed, but they were not of sufficient importance 
to merit a sketch. 

The probable number of Regular Baptists in Coshocton 
county is not far from 950. 



Religious Institutions. 20i 



CHRISTIAN CHURCHES. 

There is a Christian church, having at present one hun- 
dred and fifteen members, in Virginia township. It was 
organized by Elder J. W. Marvin, of Knox county, Ohio, 
in 1832, starting with five members, of whom two are yet 
living. For some twelve years the congregation met in 
the woods, or a barn, or a school-house. In 1844, a frame 
meeting-house (twenty-eight by thirty- two feet) was erected, 
which, in 1873, was replaced by a better and a larger house 
of worship. The pastors of the church have been J. W. 
Marvin, James Hays, Wm. Bagley, Jacob Harger, A. E. 
Harger, A. Bradfield, B. Rabb, Wm. Overturf, M. M. Lohr, 
E. Peters, and John W. Wright, at present in charge. 

The whole number of members enrolled in connection 
with this church during its history is two hundred and 
thirteen. Formerly there were three other active churches 
of this communion — the West Bedford, the Antioch, and 
the Severns — each with a good house of worship for the 
day and locality ; but they are now almost extinct. 

It is understood that there is at least one congregation 
of German Baptists known as " Dunkards," gathered in 
the Saul Miller neighborhood, quite small, having no house 
of worship, and without much ministerial service. 

ISTo organized society of " The Disciples " has been re- 
ported as at this time in existence, although there is a con- 
siderable number of adherents of that church in the 
county. 

CATHOLIC CHURCHES. 

There are four of these in the county. The oldest — St. 
Mary's, of Linton township — was organized about 1840. 
A small log building was used by the congregation until 
about 1873, when this was replaced with a neat frame. 
This church and the few scattered Catholics elsewhere in 
the county were for years ministered unto by priests from 
Zanesville, who would make three or four trips a year, 
traveling on horseback. About 1855, the Rev. T. Bender, 
of Cincinnati, was appointed pastor of the Newark church, 
having also the charge of the Coshocton county Catholics. 



202 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

He went vigorously to work, and by 1857 had succeeded in 
gathering and establishing the church of St. Nicholas in 
Franklin township, and the church of St. Elizabeth in 
Monroe township. Each of these erected small log-houses 
of worship, built by the labor of the members, who also 
furnished the ground and materials. These congregations 
have both been greatly depleted by emigration to the Far 
"West, and they have made little or no progress since their 
organization. They have been mainly supplied by week- 
day services by the resident pastor of Coshocton. 

In 1858, the Rev. Serge De Stchaulepinkoff' (a Russian 
priest, who, on becoming Catholic, had been compelled to 
leave his country) was sent to Coshocton, and was the first 
resident pastor. Under his direction, St. George's church, 
of Coshocton, was built. He continued in charge for some 
three years, and was succeeded at short intervals by Fathers 
Andres, Ranch, and Nordmeyer — all sent by Rev. J. B. 
Purcell, archbishop of Cincinnati. 

In January, 1869, Rev. John M. Jacquet was appointed 
pastor of Coshocton by the Riglit Rev. J. H. Rosecrans, 
who, the year before, had been made first bishop of Colum- 
bus. In the membership of the St. George's church, there 
has been no great change for some years. Through the in- 
strumentality of Father Jacquet, both the church building 
and the pastoral residence have been much improved, and 
all debts against the charge paid ofl'. The country churches 
have also been repaired and much improved. 

The total membership in the county is about seven hun- 
dred, of which some four hundred are communicants. 

LUTHERAN CHURCHES. 

There are three evangelical (English) Lutheran churches 
in the county. The oldest of these is Zion Church, in 
Crawford township. It seems to have been gathered and 
organized through the labors of Rev. E. Greenwald (long 
settled in New Philadelphia), about 1832. Rev. J. B. Reck 
succeeded him in 1835 ; but, after a few years, the care of 
the church again devolved (in 1838) on Mr. Greenwald. 
In 1840 Rev. E. C. Yunge took charge of the church, and 



Religious Institutions, 203 

in 1846 Rev. E. Melsheimer, who died in 1849. In 1850 
Rev. A. U. Bartholomew became pastor, and in 1859 Rev. 
M. M. Bartholomew. Rev. S. S. Samson took charge in 
1862, and Rev. David Sparks in 1864. The present pastor, 
Rev. J. W. Myers, has been in charge some ten years. 
The elders have been Andrew Eichmier, Jacob Myser, 
Henry Grimm, John Smith, A. Winklepleck, William 
Stall, and Frederick Everhart. The Mysers, and Winkle- 
plecks, and Frocks, and Doaks, and Everharts, and Michael 
Grill, John Smith, James Christy, Frederick Barrick, and 
Nicholas Storm have been among the more prominent 
members, who have varied in n amber from thirty to 
eighty. The congregation has a good house of worship in 
Chili. 

About 1840 an effort was made for a church in Franklin 
township, and an organization was effected and building 
secured, but, after some years, the enterprise was aban- 
doned. About 1856 Rev. S. Kammerer began preaching 
in that (the Wertz) neighborhood, and a church building 
about thirty by forty feet was erected, and a congregation 
called St. PauVs organized. Rev. A. N. Bartholomew be- 
came pastor, and continued for twelve years. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. J. S.Sleutzin 1870, and lie in 1872 by the pres- 
ent pastor, Rev. John Weber. This church and the church 
at Adamsville, in Muskingum county, have always been 
joined as a pastoral charge. Daniel Gaumer gave the land 
for the church and burial-ground. The church building is 
of frame, and cost about $1,500. The elders have been 
John Wertz and Zachariah Glaze. The number of mem- 
bers at the organization was thirty ; at this time it is about 
ninety. 

The third church is at West Carlisle — a neat frame 
building. But few services have been held for several 
years; and the congregation, especially since the removal 
of Mr. Billman from the township, is very feeble. 

There is a church near New Bedford, a little way over 
the line in Holmes county, with which a considerable num- 
ber of residents of Coshocton county are connected. 



204 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran (German) Church, at !N'ew 
Bedford, was organized by Rev. G. Doepken in 1854, and 
ministered unto by him for twenty years, at the end 
of which time he removed to Marietta. The minister 
at present is Eev. 0. Primer. The house of worship, a 
large frame, was built in 1855. At its organization there 
were connected with the congregation some twenty-five 
families; in 1876 there are about sixty-five families. 
Among the more prominent have been the Schaumeeker, 
Schmelz, Schmidt, Schlegle, Baad, Steel, and Holt families. 
The church is in connection with the Joint Synod of Ohio. 



Religious Institutions, 205 



CHAPTER XXII. 

THE CH0RCHES — DETAILED ACCOUNTS OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL, METHO- 
DIST (pROTESTANT), PRESBYTEKIAN, UNITED PRESBYTERIAN, PROTESTANT 
EPISCOPAL, CHRISTIAN UNION, ETC. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKCHES. 

In relation to the Methodist Episcopal churches south of 
the rivers, the following has been furnished by Rev. B. F. 
Beazelle, the pastor of the one in Coshocton : 

The first preacher who occupied this territory was the 
Rev. John Mitchell. That was in 1812. He was most 
likely the first Methodist preacher of Coshocton county. 
He organized three classes that year — one near where 
Plainfield now is, one at Maysville (Marquauds), and one 
in the Robinson neighborhood, now called Bethany church. 
Religious services have been maintained in these places 
ever since, and after the lapse of nearly two generations, 
the fruit of this " handful of corn " is seen in a comforta- 
ble and tasteful house of worship at each place, and larger 
and more vigorous societies than perhaps ever before. 

They were at first connected with the Tuscarawas cir- 
cuit, Muskingum district. Western conference. Subse- 
quently, it is said, they formed a part of Norwich circuit. 
Not later than 1820, they were included in Muskingum 
circuit. From 1813-23, the district was called Muskingum 
also, then for a time Lancaster. 

That old Tuscarawas circuit included within its bounda- 
ries the following circuits and stations : Zanesville, now of 
the Ohio conference, Norwich, Sonora, Adamsville, Cam- 
bridge, Liberty, Washington, Milnersville, Plainfield, and 
Coshocton, of the Pittsburg conference, and parts of what 
are now Dresden and Roscoe circuits in the North Ohio 
conference, and doubtless other territory which can not be 
designated. 

Bishop Morris, writing in 1839, says : " The Muskingum 



2o6 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

circuit, when the Rev. Charles Elliott was my colleague, in 
1818-19, included what is now called Zanesville station, 
Putnam circuit, Cambridge circuit, and parts of others ; 
and the following year, when Samuel Brockunier and James 
Gilruth were my colleagues, we so enlarged it as to include 
"Washington, Coshocton, and other intermediate settlements. 
Those familiar with the country can see the extent of our 
plan by running a supposed line from Zanesville on through 
the settlements of Jonathan's creek to Wolf creek, below 
McConnelsville; thence up the river to Putnam ; then by 
a zigzag route on to the bend of Wills creek, and all the 
neighborhoods down to Cambridge ; thence to Washing- 
ton, Sugar creek, Wagoner's plains, Coshocton, and John- 
son's plains; and finally, by numerous angles, right, acute, 
and obtuse, back to the place of beginning. This, when I 
went to it, was a four weeks' circuit; but when I left, it 
required a tour of six weeks, with little rest for man or 
horse. Our first year's work resulted in a small decrease, 
.chiefly on account of strictly enforcing the rules of the dis- 
cipline, and laying aside many delinquent members; but 
the second year we received about two hundred new mem- 
bers, which, after deducting all losses, gave us a considera- 
ble increase." 

About the j-ear 1833, as nearly as I can tell, " the radi- 
cal split," as it was commonly called, occurred. This rup- 
ture was produced originally by the question of "lay dele- 
gation," and led to the formation of the Methodist Pro- 
testant Church, in 1828. This event was very disastrous 
in its consequences to the appointments of which we have 
been speaking. The Plainfield society, then perhaps sixty 
in number, was reduced to eight. This little bund, headed 
by Judge Thomas Johnson, continued faithful to the old 
church and its principles, and continued to meet on a week 
day, for preaching, in the school-house. From this fact, I 
infer that the seceding party, by odds the largest, retained 
the original house of worship.* 

*A house of worship was erected, chiefly by Judge Johnson, in 1835. 
Subsequently, the congregation erected a building (frame) in Jacobs- 
port. For the erection of this, M. L. Norris (afterward so extensively 



Religious Institutions. 207 

The Marquand appointment was for a number of years 
seriously enfeebled, but through unflagging faith and labor, 
under the leadership of the earnest men, Marquand and 
BalJentine, quiet and order were again restored. 

At Robinson's, the society shared a similar fate. At 
times, prosperity would seem to return, when, by deaths, 
removals, or other untoward events, it would seem to be 
left in the same or worse condition. But the little com- 
pany of earnest men and women, chief of whom, I believe, 
was Judge Robinson, stood firm, and the result is the sub- 
stantial success of to-day. Judge Johnson died in 1840, 
having, however, lived to see prosperity restored to the 
church of his love. Judge Robinson fell at his post in 
1856. Peter Marquand passed from earth about eight years 
ago ; and Hugh Ballentine removed to the "West some 
years since, where he still lives. 

For about five years prior to the organization of the 
Coshocton circuit, those appointments were connected with 
the old Roscoe circuit, which, during that period, was 
served by the following-named preachers: Blanipied, 
Lynch, McDowell, Cooley, Goof, Lowell (who died of 
small-pox in Dresden, and was succeeded by Perkins), 
Camp, Brown, and Kalog. During that time, David 
Young and W. B. Christie served as presiding elders. I 
am not certain that this list is correct, nor can I give the 
date of appointment or length of service of any one. As 
we approach our own time, however, our information is 
more abundant and accurate. 

Rev. I. IS,. Baird, D.D., now of Allegheny City, Pa., in 
a letter to the writer, says : " I was sent to Coshocton in 
the summer of 1840. Found the territory I was to organ- 
ize into a circuit to be bounded by the Muskingum river 
from Coshocton down to the mouth of Wills creek; up 
the same to the neighborhood of Linton ; then north to the 
plains near Evansburgh; thence down to the place of be- 
ginning. There were societies at East Plainfield, Mar- 
engaged in building operations in Coshocton) had the contract. This 
building was somewhat enlarged and greatly improved in the summer 
of 1875. 



2o8 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

quand's, and Robinson's. There was no society in Coshoc- 
ton — indeed, but one member was found there, Sister Span- 
gler, still with you. Thomas C. Ricketts had, a little be- 
fore that, united with the church in Roscoe — was yet on 
probation, and afterward came to us when we organized. 
There was a brother Conwell, also, who had been a mem- 
ber of the church somewhere, and joined us when we or- 
ganized. But Mrs. David Spangler was the only member 
of the church at the time of my arrival, and to her as 
much as to any preacher, perhaps, our struggling enterprize 
there is indebted for its success. Her noble husband, 
though not a member, was always helpful in every way." 

In 1841, Dr. Baird organized a class near the present 
Mount Zion appointment, the planting from which sprang 
the church of that name. In 1854, the following appoint- 
ments were attached to the charge : Liberty, Hopewell, 
Peoble's, and Earh-'s. The arrangement not proving mu- 
tually agreeable, at the end of one year they were detached. 

In 1855, the church at Lafayette was founded, which in 
recent years has attained considerable strength. Until 1859, 
the circuit retained substantially its original shape, but in 
that 3'ear a division was made. Coshocton, Robinson's, and 
Lafayette formed one pastoral charge, retaining the old 
name. Maysville, Mount Zion, and Plainfield formed an- 
other, under the latter name. Lafayette, by request, was 
next year placed in the Plainfield circuit. For nine years, 
Robinsons and Coshocton constituted one pastoral charge ; 
but in 1868 the former was again included in the Plainfield 
circuit, since when the latter has been a station. 

The first quarterly conference of the original Coshocton 
circuit was held at Bethany church, October 17, 1840. It 
will be of interest to know the names of the men consti- 
tuting that body, which have been furnished me from the 
original record by one of the members: Rev. Edward Tay- 
lor was the Elder; Rev. I. N. Baird the Preacher; James 
Robinson, Robert Johnson, David Richason, Hugh Ballen- 
tine, T. C. Ricketts, and John M. Johnson, the Stewards. 
Exhorters : E. Davis and Charles Grimes. Leaders : Adam 



Religious Institutions. 209 

Wallace, John Chamberlain, Charles Wilcox, and Thomas 
Elliott. This, I believe, is the entire list. 

We have seen that, at the organization of the circuit in 
1840, no society of the Methodist Episcopal Church existed 
in Coshocton ; but for some years previous the Methodist 
Protestant Church had maintained one. Different men 
had, however, preached in the town from time to time as 
occasion offered, for a number of years — such as Thomas 
A. Morris (afterward bishop), David Young, Jacob Young, 
Robert 0. Spencer, Wm. B. Christie, John Dillon, and oth- 
ers, no doubt, of whom I have no certain knowledge. 

As to the founding of the church in Coshocton, Dr. Baird 
further says : "I preached in the court-house, and organ- 
ized the first class of twelve members in the old jury-box. 
It was during my second year that some steps were taken 
toward building a church. I can not now recall the stage 
of the work when I left in 1842. I left a considerable soci- 
ety — near seventy members, I think — and was succeeded 
by Rev. John J. Swayze, at that time the most popular 
man in the pulpit, in the conference." The twelve mem- 
bers of that first class were : Elizabeth Spangler, Thomas 
C. Ricketts, George E. Conwell, Felix Landis, David Frew, 
Benjamin R. Shaw, Henrietta Shaw, Nancy Decker, Mar- 
tha Wallace, Mary Wallace, Abraham Sells, and Lucy 
Thomas. 

Fortunately, from the original record-book, I am enabled 
to transcribe the following : " At a meeting held in the 
town of Coshocton, May 9, 1842, by the friends and mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church, for the purpose of consultation 
as to the propriety of erecting a house for public worship — 
Wm. McFarland having been called to the chair, and B. R. 
Shaw made secretary — on motion of David Spangler, it was 
unanimously resolved that we take immediate measures to 
secure a site and erect a suitable building," Accordingly a 
committee of five persons was appointed to secure a loca- 
tion and solicit subscriptions. Thomas C. Ricketts, James 
Robinson, David Frew, and Wm. McFarland composed the 
committee. An additional committee, consisting of James 
LeRetilley, Theophilus Phillips, and Samuel Hutchinson, 



2IO historical Collections o/ Coshocton County. 

was appointed to secure subscriptions in Roscoe. At a 
subsequent meeting, David Frew, B^ R. Shaw, and George 
E. Conwell were elected a building committee. 

After some good-natured difierence of opinion, the pres- 
ent location was agreed upon for the church, the ground 
then being owned by Joseph Rue. Whether their friends 
of to-day regard their selection as a fortunate one, I can 
not say. 

A vote of thanks for the liberal subscriptions of the com- 
munity is recorded, and then, among other things, the fol- 
lowing : " Resolved, That we accept the proposal of Mr. 
John Elliott to erect said building for the sum of $2,500, 
as per contract" — paying him at the same time $1,099, the 
amount of subscriptions then obtained. 

A complete list of the contributors, with the amounts of 
their contributions, is also preserved. The men of that 
time — for we are to remember that all this took place a 
generation ago — believed in the pay-as-you-go plan. Nu- 
merous records of minor subscriptions were made during 
the four years the church was building; but when it was 
finally ready for use, little or nothing remained to be paid. 

The church was dedicated in the early summer of 1846, 
during the pastorate of Rev. E. P. Jacob, by Rev. "Wesley 
Kenny, D.D., then of Wheeling, more recently of the Phil- 
adelphia Conference, lately deceased. Since that time it 
has been repaired and improved at different times at an ag- 
gregate expense of not less than double its original cost. In 
1862, the parsonage property was secured. In the spring 
of 1863, the Pittsburg Conference held its annual session 
in it. 

The Sunda}^ school was organized August 8, 1845, with 
George E. Conwell superintendent, Russell C. Bryant sec- 
retary, and W. Wells librarian. 

THE PREACHERS. 

1812-13, John Mitchell ; 1813-14, John Clingan; 1814- 
15, William Dixon ; 1815-16, Joseph Kinkead ; 1816-17, 
William Knox ; 1817-18, John Waterman and Thos. Carr; 
1818-19, John Tivis and Samuel Glaze; 1819-20, Thos. A. 



Religious Institutions. 21.1. 

Morris, S. R. Brockunier, and Jas. Gilruth ; 1821-22, Jas. 
Hooper and Archibald Mcllroy ; 1822-23, Leroy Sworm- 
stedt and M. M. Henkle ; 1823-24, Burnis Westlake and 
David Young; 1824-25, Wm. Cunningham; 1825-26, Ed- 
ward Taylor and Ezra Brown ; 1826 27, Zarah H. Coston, 
M. Ellis (sup.); 1827-28, Cornelius Springer and James 
Callahan ; 1828-29, Joseph Carper and C. Springer ; 1829- 
30, Joseph Carper and Wm. B. Christie ; 1830-31, Alfred 
M. Lorrain and Gilbert Blue ; 1831-32, Jacob Delay and 
Wm. Young ; 1832-33, John W. Gilbert and Levi P. Mil- 
ler ; 1833-34, J. W. Gilbert and Charles C. Leybrand; 
1834-35, James McMahon, Cyrus Brooks, and Samuel Har- 
vey (until 1840, names given above); 1840-42, Isaac N. 
Baird ; 1842-43, John J. Swayze ; 1843-44, John D. Rich; 
1844-45, Thomas McLeary; 1845-46, E. Jacob; 18i6-47, 
James Henderson ; 1847-49, D. P. Mitchell ; 1849-50, C. 
Wyrick; 1850-51, D. Trueman; 1851-52, C. A. Holmes; 
1852-54, J. E. McGaw ; 1854-55, H. Sinsabaugh and R. S. 
Hogue ; 1858-59, T. Davidson and H. M. Close ; 1859-60, 
T. Davidson and J. J. Neigh. 

PREACHERS OF PLAINFIELD CIRCUIT SINCE 1860. 

1860-62, George McKee ; 1862-64, Joseph Shaw ; 1864- 
65, John Crisman ; 1865-66, same (left, his place filled by 
W. L. Dixon); 1866-67, T. H. S. White; 1867-68, J. E. 
Storkey ; 1868-69, same, and M. C. Harris ; 1869-70, J. W. 
Weaver and T. W. Anderson; 1870-71, J. W. Weaver and 
J. W. Toland; 1871-72, same, and H. W. Rader; 1872-73, 
A. V. Galbraith and T. S. Luccock (sup.); 1873-75, A. V. 
Galbraith ; 1875-76, H. H. Pershing. 

PREACHERS OF COSHOCTON SINCE 1860. 

1860-62, S. M. Hickman ; 1862-63, W. R. Fonts ; 1863- 
65, W. D. Stevens; 1865-67, E. W. Brady (who, retiring 
before the expiration of his term, was succeeded by J. W. 
Bushong, who served during the remainder of the term) ; 
1867-68, E. Birket ; 1868-71, S. Crouse ; 1871-73, J. D. 
Yail; 1873-76, B. F. Beazell. 

Of statistics prior to the foundation of the Coshocton cir- 



212 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

cuit, we know nothing. The contribution — or, at all events, 
the allowance — of the entire circuit the first year (1840) for 
the support of the gospel, was $100 for the preacher and $10 
for the presiding elder. 

Benevolent collections were of course not thought of, and 
Sunday schools were yet in the future. The entire mem- 
bership of that year was about 60. The membership of 
these two charges, as shown by the conference minutes of 
1875, is 640. The amount paid for ministerial support the 
same year, $2,1 20, and for benevolent purposes, $640. There 
are also six Sunday schools, with an aggregate attendance 
of 600 scholars. 

Of the churches to the west and north of Coshocton (in 
North Ohio Conference) we have these notes : 

The first {ChalfanVs) meeting-house in Washington town- 
ship was built in 1811, and the church there is regarded by 
many as the oldest in the county. There is a good church 
at Moscow, in that township. In the northwest part of the 
county the Methodist church was planted at several points 
in New Castle and Perry townships, concentrating at East 
Union, at a very early date, largely through the zealous 
efibrts of Joseph W. Pigman, a famous class leader and 
local preacher, settled in that locality, of whom mention 
is elsewhere made in this volume. 

Churches were subsequently established at West Bedford 
and West Carlisle, which, with varying numbers, have al- 
ways been accounted (especially the former) as among the 
more important ones in the county. 

The West Bedford church antedates the other several 
years, and is one of the oldest churches in the county. It 
was organized about 1819. 

Boscoe. — From 1820 to 1826, there had occasionally been 
a sermon preached in Poscoe (then Caldersburg),in the din- 
ing-room of a tavern kept by one William Barcus; but in 
1826 two Methodist ministers were appointed by the An- 
nual Conference to the Circuit in which Poscoe was em- 
braced, and in the spring of that year the first class was 



Religious Institutions. 213 

formed by those ministers (their names were Abner Gongh 
and H. 0. Sheldon). The persons forming the class were 
Theophilus Phillips, Mrs. Samuel Brown, James Le Retilley 
and wife, Mrs. William Barcus, Rachel Le Retilley, and 
Joseph Shoemaker and wife. Meetings continued to be 
held in the same tavern until about 1828, about which time 
Samuel Brown joined, and the meetings were after that held 
at his house until 1831, in which year they built them a 
nice little brick church, twenty-four by forty feet. A lit- 
tle incident in regard to Samuel Brown. He was, by his own 
account, a very wicked man then. There was to be a love feast 
held on Sunday morning, and he went along with his wife to 
carry the child, not intending to stay in, but when they got 
there it was about time to close the door, as it was the cus- 
tom in those days. So, when he stepped in to hand the 
child to his wife they closed the door and drew a bench' 
against it, so that he could not get out, and was compelled 
very reluctantly to remain, and during the exercises he be- 
came powerfully convicted, and then and there joined the 
church. 

In 1853, the old church being too small, they con- 
cluded to build a larger one. The old one was torn down, 
and one erected forty by sixty feet; and in March, 1874, 
it was burned and rebuilt the same year at a cost of 
$8,000, exclusive of materials out of old building. It is 
a handsome brick, same size as old one, with brick tower 
and fine bell. The windows are of stained-glass, and the 
pulpit and pews are very neat; manufactured at Richmond, 
Indiana. It was dedicated December 27, 1875. 

The Branch church, some six miles west of Roscoe, has 
long been associated with that church in a circuit, and 
takes rank as one of the older and stronger country 
churches. 

Warner Chapel^ on Bowman's section, three miles south 
of Roscoe, is a neat brick building, the erection of which 
was accomplished some six years ago, largely through the 



214 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

efforts of the Austins, Biggs, and others formerly connected 
with Roscoe. It is a point in the lioscoe circuit. 

Three miles further south is the Conesiille church. Frank 
Wolf was largely instrumental in securing this church. 
The building is a good brick one of moderate dimensions. 

The Warsaw Methodist Society was organized in 1843, by 
Rev. Mr. Thatcher, the presiding elder at the time being 
the Rev. Mr. Yocum. For five or six years meetings were 
held in the old school-house, still standing on the hill. 
The first members were Langdon Hoglc, Andrew Weath- 
erwax and wife, Joseph Meggs and wife, John Hook and 
wife, William Pancake and wife. The church was built 
about five years after the society was organized — a frame 
building worth something over a thousand dollars. Rev. 
Mr. Thatcher was followed by Rev. Finley Leonard, during 
whose ministry a great revival occurred, the result being 
an addition of some forty to the church. The number of 
communicants at this time is fifty, and the church is in more 
prosperous condition than for several years. 

The Mohawk Village Methodist church was organized in 
the fall of 1840. In the preceding year a company from 
Ireland had settled in the Mohawk valley, until that time 
a comparative wilderness. They were followed the next 
year by other families of the same connection. The first 
company embraced James Moore, deceased (father of Rob- 
ert Moore), James Moore, Sr., John Moore, and William 
Moore. Those coming the next year were William and 
James Given, William and James Thompson, and William 
Moore, all now living. And these families, with Thomas 
Treadaway and wife, composed the society at its organization. 
In 1841, there was an addition to the settlement, including, 
besides others, John Moore and family, and the well-known 
James and Robert of the present day. For about a year 
from the organization, the meetings were held in the Whit- 
taker school-house; then a scliool-house was built in the 
settlement, and meetings held in that. In 1849, the church 
was built — worth some |],500. Within a few years it has 



Religious Institutions. 215 

been repaired and very much improved as to its interior. 
It stands near a refreshing spring of water, and is convenient 
and attractive in all its appointments and arrangements. 
The minister first in charge was Rev. Mr. Camp. Rev. 
Leonard Parker succeeded him, and Rev. Henry Whitte- 
more (still preaching in Northern Ohio Conference) succeeded 
Parker. Under his ministry quite a noticeable number were 
added to the society. Rev. Homer J. Clark followed 
Whittemore. Then came Austin Coleman, during whose 
ministry the church building was erected. Just prior to 
building the Methodist Episcopal church, he hel(J a pro- 
tracted meeting in the Baptist church, which had been built 
the year before. During this revival there were a great 
many valuable accessions. The history of the society has 
been marked by great prosperity. The number of mem- 
bers at this time is eighty-seven. 

In relation to the church at Keene, two respectful appli- 
cations, at some months interval, were made to the minister 
in charge for information. Both were unanswered. An 
intelligent gentleman was then commissioned to make di- 
rect personal application. His answer is in these words : 
" N^othing can be learned of the early history of the M. E. 
Church here that can be made available for your purposes. 
There seem to be no 'records' to refer to, and there is no 
member to consult who was living here at the time the 
church was organized. I can get no information from the 
Rev. Mr. Disney, and succeed no better with his laymen. 
I can only abandon the fruitless search."* The society is 
an old one, and the building a good frame. 

At Canal LewisviUe a very neat frame church was built 
in 1872, chiefiy through the efforts of David Markley. The 
appointment is one in connection with Keene, and the con- 
gregation has had a pleasant history and enjoyed great 
prosperity. 

In 1874, mainly by the efforts of John Richmond and 
J. B. Peck, a tasty and convenient Methodist church was 



*Was not this the church in which Rev. Charles Elliott, D.D., and 
other worthies of Methodism were trained ? 



2i6 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

built at Orange, and a congregation formed, supplied for 
the present from New Comerstown. 

The church at Bakersville was organized about 1848, and 
is now enjoying its second house of worship (dedicated 
February 7, 1875), the old one having become unadapted 
to the size and character of the congregation. Making 
part of this charge are several appointments in the county 
round about, chief of which is White Eyes. The number 
of members at Bakersville at this time is about seventy, 
and in the whole charge some two hundred and twenty. 

The church at Bloowjield was built during the summer 
of 1871. It was dedicated January 14, 1872. Its cost 
was about ^2,500. The congregation was organized with 
a membership of twenty. Thirty-three were soon there- 
after added under the labors of Rev. A. E. Thomas, the 
minister at that time in charge. The present membership 
is about seventy-iive. The Sunday-school has always been 
a most interesting department of this church. It was or- 
ganized in March, 1872, with E. J. Pocock as superin- 
tendent. 

The whole number of members of the M. E. Church 
in the county is reported at sixteen hundred. 

METHODIST (PKOTESTANT) CHURCHES. 

The Methodist (Protestant) Church dates its organiza- 
tion in Coshocton county in 1830. The first movement 
seems to have been at Jacobsport, where to this day prob- 
ably the strongest organization is found. The building is 
a commodious frame. 

On the plains above Lafayette a church (the appointment 
was called "Phillips'") was organized at an early day in 
the history of the denomination, which has always since 
manifested much vigor. It occupies a substantial brick 
building. 

At Coshocton, some thirty years ago, the M. P. Church 
was a comparatively strong one, with the best house of 
worship (the brick on Locust street between Second and 
Tiiird) and largest congregation of the place. It soon 
thereafter began to decline, and for a number of years has 



Religious Institutions. 217 

not attempted to hold any service. The building has of 
late years been occupied by the German Lutherans. 

The interest of the M. P. Church about Coshocton has of 
late years been concentrated at Moore's school-house, two 
miles below Coshocton, where there is at this time quite 
a fair congregation. 

Besides the points thus far noticed as occupied by this 
denomination, there are appointments at Littick's, in Frank- 
lin township ; at Union Church, in Oxford township ; at 
"Wolfe's ; at Bird's Run, in Linton. 

The pioneer organizer among the early Methodist Pro- 
testants was Theophilus Richison. 

Among the more prominent ministerial laborers in the 
advancement of the interests of this denomination have 
been Cornelius Springer,* ]^. Sneethen, J. Dolby, William 
Munhall, Israel Thrapp, Joseph Hamilton, John Baker, 
D. Truman. 

Among those connected with the various organizations 
in the earlier days were : In Coshocton, David Waggonerf 
and wife, and Zebedee Baker and wife ; in Franklin town- 
ship, Isaac Shambaugh and wife, the Litticks, Browning, 
Bancroft, and Maston ; at Moore's school-house, the Moores, 
the Porteus', and McBanes; at Jacobsport, John Davis, S. 
V. Powelson, the Bakers, Chappies, and Magness ; in La- 
fayette township, the Loozes and Phillips, etc. 

It is said that there are some fifteen localities (all south 
of rivers) at which services under the direction of this de- 
nomination are held ; and the number of members in the 
county is estimated at some five hundred. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES. 

Coshocton Church. — The largest Presbyterian church in 
the county is that of Coshocton. It can hardly be called 

* Recently died in Zanesville at a very advanced age, and greatly 
beloved. 

f Residing just out of Coshocton, in the southeast. He is a son of 
Phillip Waggoner, elsewhere mentioned as one of the first settlers in 
Oxford township ; now in his seventy-sixth year. 



2i8 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

the oldest, it being in fact a twin church with that at 
Keene. Ministers traveling to, or living in the counties 
west and south, occasionally preached in the town from 
1812 until 1818. In the latter year, Rev. James Cunning- 
ham, then living in Utica, Licking count}', supplied what 
was denominated " the congregation of Coshocton and 
Mill creek," in which were fifteen communicants. The 
separation of the congregation seems to have occurred 
about 1833, about which time Rev. Geo, Warner was 
preaching to the church. Rev. ^N^athaniel Conklin followed 
him. The first elder at Coshocton was James Renfrew, 
and a little later John Elliott was elected. The former 
had served as an elder in the united church of Coshocton 
and Mill creek, and the latter had served at Keene before 
removing to Coshocton. The services were held at first in 
private houses, and then in the court-house. In 1824, 
James Renfrew started a Sunday-school. It was held in 
the currying-shop of the tannery on the northwest corner of 
Second and Walnut streets. In April, 1834, the county 
commissioners gave Samuel Lee, William K. Johnson, John 
Porter, and their associates, a lease of a site for a church on 
the southwest quarter of the public square, and the congrega- 
tion, by a great and protracted effort, put up a substantial 
frame building, thirty by forty-two feet. It stands at this 
writing on the northeast corner of Fourth and Main streets 
— used for stores. Rev. Joseph S. Wylie, the first pastor of 
the church, began his labors in 1835, and remained pastor 
about six years, passing to Apple creek in Wayne county, 
and afterward to Florence, Pennsylvania, where he died. 
Eight members made up the original organization of the 
Coshocton church. There was a steady increase until 
1838. In that year fourteen members withdrew, and were 
organized into a second Presbyterian church. Rev. Addi- 
son Coffey, coming from Lebanon, Ohio, began preaching 
to the old church as stated supply, August 8, 1841, and was 
installed pastor in 1843. Shortly before Mr. Coff'ey came, 
Jacob Elliott and Jonathan Fiske* had been ordained elders, 

* Father of Rev. Ezra Fiske, D.D., of Greencastle, Indiana. 



Religious Institutions. 219 

and in his pastorate (ending September 2, 1847), David 
Noble, Samuel Wheeler, Ro[la Banks, J. F. Traxler, and 
Wm. Loder. From 1847, when Mr. Cofi'ey removed to 
Peoria, Illinois, to the fall of 1851, the church was supplied 
by Rev. H. K. Hennigh and Rev. R. Robe, now in Oregon. 
Rev. Prosper H. Jacob (now of Knoxville, Iowa) was pastor 
from 1851 to 1854. In his pastorate, Wm. Sample, Wm. 
Laughead, and Jos. K. Johnson were installed elders. Rev. 
T. J. Taylor (who died in Illinois, 1867) supplied the church 
for a few months in 1855-6. 

Wm. E. Hunt (licensed by Steubenville Presbytery), the 
present pastor of the church, became such May 14, 1857, 
having supplied the churches of Coshocton and Keene from 
the July preceding. At that time there were fifty-six mem- 
bers of the church. At the time of Mr. Hunt's installation 
the Johnson Brothers (John, Joseph K., and Wm. K.) pro- 
posed to give lot 314 (on Main street) and the house then 
on it for a parsonage, provided the rest of the congregation 
would build an addition, all of which was done. In 1866, 
the brick church (forty-three by seventy feet, two towers, 
steeple one hundred feet, slate roof, frescoed walls, stained 
glass windows, etc.), corner of Fourth and Chestnut streets, 
was begun and finished in spring of 1868, at a cost of 
$15,500.* The synod of Ohio met in it that fall. In May, 
1867, T. S. Humrickhouse, T. C. Ricketts, and James R. 
Johnson were installed elders. 

The second church was organized January 12, 1839, and 
in the following spring Rev. E. Buckingham, from New- 
ark,! became the pastor. Samuel Lee and A. R. Hillyer 
were the first elders. Mr. Buckingham remained until 
April 22, 1846. During his ministry, eighty-four were 
added to the fourteen original members of the church, and 
a frame house of worship was erected on Fourth street be- 
tween Main and Chestnut streets, now " Equity Building." 

* The carpenter work was done by W. H. Robinson ; the brick work 
by C. Daugherty, of Newark, Ohio. 

f Afterward at Canton, Ohio; died March, 1876. 



220 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Phineas Tuttle and James Hill were elected elders March 
27, 1843. 

Rev. H. Calhoun (now of Ironton, Ohio), was stated sup- 
ply of the church for eleven years from April, 1846, and 
was followed for brief periods by Reverends Mussey, John 
Henderson, and Wm. Bridgeman. From November, 1861, 
to November, 1865, Rev. C. "W. Wallace (recently of Mon- 
roeville, Ohio), supplied the church. 

A. D. Denman and Josiah Glover were elected elders 
September 23, 1860; Chester Wells, September 13, 1862; 
and W. H. Robinson and Dr. S. H. Lee, March 11, 1863. 

A temporary arrangement was entered into July 1,1867, 
by which the first and second churches were to worship to- 
gether under the ministry of Rev. Wm. E. Hunt, pastor of 
the first church, each church retaining its organization. 
This arrangement continued until the formal union was ac- 
complished in virtue of the action of the General Assemblies, 
under which the churches had respectively been. This was 
consummated September 11, 1870. The united church took 
as the corporate name " The Presb3'terian Church of Cosh- 
octon," and engaged Rev. Wm. E. Hunt as pastor. At the 
time of union, there were on the roll of the first church one 
hundred and twelve names, and on that of the second church 
seventy-four. In 1871, the brick parsonage next the 
church was built at a cost of about $5,000. The old par- 
sonage was sold for §2,500, and the second Presbyterian 
church building was sold in 1873 for $3,000. 

The elders at this time are William Sample, A. D. Den- 
man, T. S. Humrickhouse, S. H. Lee, T. C. Ricketts, W. 
H. Robinson, Josiah Glover, and James R. Johnson. The 
number of members in April, 1875, was one hundred and 
seventy. A large proportion of the funds for the new brick 
church was raised through the instrumentality of the 
"Ladies' Society — they having in the outset purchased 
the lot, costing $1,000. 

Keene (Township) Church. — As stated in the preceding 
sketch, Rev. James Cunningham, living in Utica, Licking 



Religious Institutions, ill 

county, as early as in 1818, occasionally preached to what 
was denominated the Congregation of Coshocton and Mill 
Creek. The prominent members of the congregation (in 
which were fifteen communicants) were James Eenfrew and 
Samuel Lee, of Coshocton, and Timothy and Jacob Emer- 
son, in the neighborhood of Keene. Services were held in 
pleasant weather under the trees of the forest, standing on 
the site of the present church of Keene. The church prob- 
ably became the church of Keene distinctively in 1833. 
The oldest sessional record now accessible is dated July 
14, 1827. On that day the Rev. Thomas Barr preached, 
and fifteen members were received into the church. The 
elders were Timothy Emerson and James Renfrew. The 
church was supplied during 1828 and 1829, Rev. James 
Culbertson and Rev. J. B. Morrow, among others, preach- 
ing. Rev. George Warner then " supplied" for two years. 
In 1832, Rev. Wm. Cox preached, and the session received 
ten members. Rev. JST. Conklin was stated supply for two 
years ending June 1836. Rev. J. S. Wylie followed Mr. 
Conklin, and served for three years. Both Mr. Conklin and 
Mr. Wylie also served at the same time the Coshocton church, 
and these churches have frequently been associated in min- 
isterial charge. Rev. B. I. Lowe followed Mr. Wylie, re- 
maining as stated supply for two years. From 1841 until 
1843, the church was supplied by Presbytery. Rev. John 
D. Whitham was installed pastor July 7, 1843. In 1844, a 
division occurred, and a New School church was organ- 
ized. After a little time this was reorganized as a " Free 
Presbyterian " church, which, after a feeble life, protracted 
through a dozen years, became extinct. 

Of the old church Rev. J. W. Knott became pastor, June 
28, 1845, remaining in charge until October, 1847. Rev. 
Samuel Hanna (son of Rev. A. Hanna, of Wayne county) 
became pastor, November 11, 1848, and continued his labors 
until his death, in 1850. His memory is still among the 
people as " ointment poured forth." Rev. John Trubit, 
Rev. William Edgar, and Rev. C. C. Bomberger supplied 
the church from 1850 until Jul}^, 1856. At that time Rev. 
William E. Hunt began to preach, and continued until the 



222 Historical Collections of Coshocto7i County. 

next year, when, being invited to spend the whole time at 
Coshocton, the Keene church called Rev. R. W. Marquis, 
then preaching in the Linton and Evans creek churches. 
He was installed November 14, 1857, and continued as pas- 
tor until his death, ill May, 1875, and is now gratefully re- 
called as " the faithful pastor." Since his death, the church 
has been supplied by Rev. A. Cone. In 1832, John Elliott 
and Nathan Shannon were added to the session. John El- 
liott was afterward dismissed to Coshocton. Timothy Em- 
erson died in 1874. The present elders are Nathan Shan- 
non, Joel Glover, Robert McClure, Liverton Beall, James 
Leggett, and W. H. Crawford. Rev. I. N. Shannon, pas- 
tor of the church of Terre Haute, Indiana, and also of Mt. 
Vernon, Ohio, was a child of this church, his father, Nathan 
Shannon, having long been an honored elder in it, and his 
own body rests in its grave-yard. 

The church building, standing on a gentle acclivity, em- 
bracing several acres, dotted with young forest trees, is a 
large frame structure, most substantially built. It was 
erected in 1834 by Charles Farwell. The number of com- 
municants in 1875 was one hundred and twenty-eight. 

West Carlisle Church. — This church was organized on the 
first day of November, 1828. Rev. James Cunningham 
(originally from Washington county, Penn., first settled 
near Marietta, afterward at CTtica), had been preaching 
occasionally in the neighborhood, for some time, and con- 
tinued to preach for the church until 1834. Rev. Jacob 
Wolf then served the church for about a year, and after he 
left Mr. Cunningham again preached for the congregation 
a couple of years. In 1838 and 1839 the church was sup- 
plied by Rev. Enoch Bouton and Rev. Nathaniel Conklin. 
Rev. J. Matthews seems to have been the first pastor — 
installed November 11, 1840. Until 1846 he gave it half 
his time, and then the whole time until 1853, During his 
time the church building still in use was erected. In 1853, 
C. C. Bomberger was ordained and installed pastor, giving 
to this church half his time. During the war the congre- 
gation was greatly distracted, and finally divided, Mr. Bom- 



Religiotis Institutions. 223 

berger and a considerable portion of the congregation put- 
ting themselves in connection with the Presbytery of Louis- 
ville (Declaration and Testimon}"), and the new church 
coming afterward under the care of the Presbytery of Cen- 
tral Ohio in connection with the Synod of Kentucky. 
After several years of embarrassment, with only occasional 
supplies, John Foy was ordained and installed in 1870. 
During his pastorate the church rallied to a considerable 
extent, and the house of worship was repaired and improved 
at a cost almost equal to its original cost. Mr. Foy removed, 
in 1874, to Martinsburgh, Knox county, and the church 
since has been supplied chiefly by Rev. S. Mehaffey. At 
its organization the number of members was twenty-four. 
In 1860 there were eighty-six ; in 1874, one hundred. The 
first elders were Thomas McKee, James Crawford, and 
Adam Gault. Subsequently the following have served : 
A. H. Lyons, Christopher Crothers, John Lyons, Jas. 
McKee, Robert Crouch, Wm. Harvey, Geo. McKee, D. D. 
Johnson, Lewis Bonnett, and Thomas McKee. Those in italics 
compose the session at this time. 

Jef arson Church. — This is situated in Jefi'erson township, 
about one mile south of Warsaw. Among those chiefly 
interested in the organization of the church were the Elder 
family, and the building was located on a site given for the 
purpose on the farm of old John Elder. The church was 
organized August 19, 1837. A colony was sent out for the 
purpose from the West Carlisle Church, with which it has 
nearly always been associated in making a pastoral charge.* 
The principal ministerial labor has been rendered by Rev- 
erends Matthews, Bomberger, John Moore, and Foy. It 
had, at the outset, twenty-four members — had, in 1875, 
about seventy. The elders first elected were Thomas 
Lowery, Isaac Skillman — subsequently Wm. McCuUough, 
James Anderson, James Douglass, Matthew Elder, Wm. 
Crouch, J. y. Stevenson, John McCluggage, Cyrus Elder, 
D. E. Laughlin. Those in italics constitute the session at 
this time. 

* See sketch of that church. 



224 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Clark Church. — The Clark (township) church was organ- 
ized March 22, 1834. Rev. N. Conklin and others had 
occasionally preached in the region, a number of Presbyte- 
rian families having therein settled. John P. Kerr and 
Thomas Guthrie were the first elders. There were twelve 
members. 

The services, for three years, were held in the house or 
barn of "Wm. Craig. The first church building was erected 
in 1837, by Geo. Weatherwax. Cost, about $200. The 
site of the building originally donated was deeded to trus- 
tees May 19, 1846, by "Wm. Craig and wife, in considera- 
tion of one dollar. In 1867, a new edifice was erected — a 
good-sized and neatly-built frame structure. 

The ministers of the church have been : N. Conklin, 
1834-38; Messrs. "Washburn, Turbit, and Gordon were sup- 
plies from 1838 to 1845 ; S. M. Templeton, 1845-47 ; Sam- 
uel Hanna, 1847-51 ; John M. Boggs, 1851-56; R. W. 
Marquis, 1857-72; A. S. Milholland, 1871-75; T. D. Dun- 
can, April 11, 1875. 

The elders : John P. Kerr, Thomas Guthrie, Robert Hus- 
ton, George Weatherwax, Thomas Shannon, Wm. Weather- 
wax, Geo. li. Altman, James Endsley, Jr., and John T. 
Crawford. Those in italics composing the session at this 
time. 

The original membership was almost wholly from "West- 
ern Pennsylvania. There were twelve members at the or- 
ganization; in 1876, one hundred and fifteen. 

Linton (township) Church. — "Was organized August 15, 
1833. Ten persons presented certificates from other 
churches (most of them from the church on Island creek, 
Jefferson county), and five persons asked to be received 
into the church on examination, among them John Glenn, 
afterward an elder. The church was supplied by Revs. N. 
Conklin, oST. Cobb, J. Matthews, D. "Washburn, S. Hanna, 
Wm. Lumsden, and Robert Robe, for nearly nineteen years. 
Rev. R. W. Marquis was the first pastor ; settled April 10, 
1852, and remained in charge until the fall of 1857. The 
church was then supplied for a time by Rev. J. B. Akey. 



Religious Institutions. 225 

In 1860, Rev. John Moore, D.D., became pastor, and con- 
tinued as such for some two years. Rev. G. W. Fisher was 
the next pastor, 1864-68. After being supplied for two 
years, the church called to the pastorate Rev. J. B. Steven- 
son, and he was in the place more than a year. Rev. W. 
B. Scarborough, the present pastor, took charge in 1872. 

At the organization of the church, there were fifteen 
members ; now there are ninety -three. 

The first elders were Alex. Matthews, Sr., and Alex. Mat- 
thews, Jr. Being unacceptable to the congregation, they 
were soon removed. Eldredge Foster, J. Fort, John Glenn, 
and AVm. Love were in the ofiice. All dead. 

The present session is composed of A. Shaffer, A. Sib- 
ley, John Glenn (second), and Robert Daugherty. 

The congregation is using its second house of worship. 
The first was an old wagon-maker's shop, repaired and re- 
fitted. The present is a very neat frame building, erected 
in 1868. 

Mr. John Gunby, residing at Snow Hill, Maryland, but 
owning land in the vicinity of this church, left it a legacy 
of $1,000 in 1874. 

Evans' Creek Church — The first house of worship stood 
on a hill, about a mile out of Bakersviile, overlooking the 
creek. It was a log one. The present is a neat frame 
structure, in Bakersviile, built in 1861. The church was 
organized April 29, 1833. 

During almost its entire history, it has been associated 
with the Linton church, having the same pastors, except in 
the case of Rev. John Moore, D.D. 

The elders have been: James Jones, David Walters, 
"Wm. Shannon, Robert Lyons, John Buck, David G. Miller, 
and Johii Miller. Those in italics are the present session. 

The number of members at this time is seventy-three. 

Hoscoe Church. — The Roscoe church was organized April 
25, 1847. Rev. H. Calhoun supplied it for eleven years, and 
it received a part of the time of Revs. Henderson, Wallace, 
and other pastors of the Second church of Coshocton. At 



226 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

the organization there were fifteen members. Under the care 
of Mr. Calhoun, and also at a later day under the labors of 
Rev. C. W. Wallace, Rev. S. P. Hildreth, and Rev. H. C. 
McBride, considerable accessions were received to the 
church ; but it has, at this writing, hardly as many as when 
first organized. The elders have been James Hill, George 
Bagnall, T. Carnahan, S. Sayre. 

Chiefly through the spirited exertions of Mrs. P. W. 
Medbery, a good frame building was erected about 1849. 

In 1847 a church was organized at " the Valley," on the 
road from Coshocton to Newark, six miles west of Coshoc- 
ton, and a squared-log church built. Rev. P. H. Jacobs, of 
Coshocton, and Rev. C. C. Bomberger supplied it from 
1847 to 1860. 

The neighborhood had at first, a few Presbyterian fami- 
lies, but death and removal to the west soon eflfaced these, 
and as the territory was occupied from the start by other 
denominations, this retired from the field. 

In 1863, the old organization having become extinct, a 
second eflbrt was made, but with no better success than the 
first. To this second congregation. Rev. John Moore, D.D., 
while settled in Jefierson church, ministered. In the first 
organization, William Crooks was an elder ; in the second, 
John McCluggage. The church never numbered a score 
of members. 

At East Union, in early days, an unsuccessful effort to 
establish a Presbyterian church was made ; also at Waka- 
tonita Cross-Roads. 

After "the split" of 1838, attempts were made to start 
" !N'ew School " churches at Linton and Keene, but there 
was no success at either place. 

The whole number of Presbyterian communicants in the 
county at this time is about eight hundred and fifty. 

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN. 

An "Associate Reformed Presbyterian " Church was 
planted in Adams township nearly forty years ago. Its 



Religious Institutions. 227 



chief friends were the Campbells, Daughertys, McFaddens, 
Funks, Smiths, and "Warrens. The principal ministerial 
service was rendered by Rev. D. F. Reed, the congregation 
being associated with Millcreek. A house of worship was 
built about 1840, but it was many years ago burned, and 
the church became, after a time, extinct. 

In relation to the other United Presbyterian churches, a 
member of the Amity church communicates the following : 

The United Presbyterian Congregation of Amity, Keene 
township, is composed of the Associate Reformed Congre- 
gation of Millcreek and the Associate Congregation of 
Keene, which occupied substantially the same territory. 

The first members of the A. R. Church came to Keene 
township during the summer and fall of 1817, of whom 
Robert Boyd was the first, who came May 4, 1817. He was 
an educated man, and was considered by some of his friends 
as at one time the best scholar west of the mountains. His 
wife was a sister of Rev. Gilbert McMaster, D.D., of the 
Covenanter Church, father of Rev. E. D. McMaster, of the 
O. S. Presbyterian Church. He came from Ireland when 
quite a 3'oung man. His father, William Boyd, was an 
elder in Rev. Kerr's Church, Cookstown, Tyrone county, 
Ireland, father of Revs. Joseph and Moses Kerr, of Pitts- 
burg, Pa. The first preaching they had was in the summer 
of 1818, by Rev. George Buchanan, of Steubenville. He 
preached occasionally afterward ; and Robert Boyd and 
George Ford, formerly elders in his congregation at Steu- 
benville, acted as a session here. George Ford said there 
was no other organization between this and Steubenville. 
After 1822, Revs. David Proudfit, David Norwood, and 
Moses Kerr supplied occasionally. 

The first communion was held in the fall of 1828, b}' 
Rev. Samuel Findley, D.D. The members at that time 
were Robert Boyd and wife, George Ford and wife, John 
Williams and wife, Thomas Hamilton and wife, Joseph 
Marshall and wife, Robert Boyd (Jr.) and Avife, Mrs. Xaucy 
Foster, Mrs. Sarah Ford, et al. 



2 28 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

In 1834 George Marshall, Samuel Hamilton, and John 
Irvine were elected elders. 

Robert Boyd died November 25, 1826. George Marshall 
died September 30, 1834. lie was a solid farmer, and the 
father of Colonel "William Marshall. 

George Ford lived until some ten years ago, dying at a 
very advanced age. He was a man of strong will and ar- 
dent piety. 

John Irvine removed a few years since to Iowa. 

The brick church was erected in 1834. The present 
frame church was erected in 1856. 

Eev. D. F. Keid settled as first pastor in 1841, in connec- 
tion with Millersburg and White Eyes, and labored with a 
good degree of success for about sixteen years. 

"William Richie and Richard Richie were ordained elders 
November 10, 1857. 

The Associate Congregation of Keene was organized 
August 26, 1838. Robert Boyd and Robert Karr were or- 
dained elders. Rev. Samuel Irvine ofliciated. Members: 
Robert Boyd and Elizabeth, his wife, Robert Karr and 
wife, William Boyd, John Karr and wife, Sarah Boyd, John 
Boyd, John Elliott and Martha, his wife, Robert Tidrick 
and wife, John Williamson and wife, James Johnson, Sam- 
uel Boyd and Nancy, his wife, and John Loder. 

Revs. S. Irvine, Joseph McKee, Samuel Ilindman Mc- 
Cleans, and others, supplied occasionally. In April, 1845, 
Rev. James M. Henderson was settled as pastor, one-fourth 
of his time in connection with Northfield and Claysville. 
He labored thus one year and nine months with a good 
degree of success, when he was released from this part of 
his charge. He w^as a strong advocate of temperance and 
opponent of slavery. The most striking instance of his 
labors here was a sermon that he preached from the text 
" Thou shalt not surely die." A Universalist preacher, by 
the name of Eaton, was making quite an excitement, and 
drawing a number of influential and enthusiastic followers 
after him. Mr. Henderson gave four weeks' notice that he 
would preach on the subject in the Keene 0. S. Presbyte- 
rian Church. There was a large audience to hear him, and 



Religious Institutions. 229 

he handled the subject in such a manner that Universalism has 
had a quietus on it in these parts ever since. August 26, 
1853, James T. Boyd and James Boyd were ordained and 
installed elders. 

In November, 1854, Rev. John P. Scott was settled one- 
third his time in connection with Millersburg and labored 
one year and nine months with success, when he was re- 
leased from this branch of his charge. 

June 16, 1855, John Williamson and James McKenzie 
were ordained and installed elders. 

September 4, 1858, the A. R. Congregation of Mill- 
creek and the Associate Congregation of Keene formally 
went into the United Presbyterian Church. 

July 1, 1859, Pev. William A. McConnell was settled as 
pastor of the congregations of Millcreek, White Eyes, and 
Keene. • 

Pursuant to a notice given on the last Sabbath in April, 
the congregations of Millcreek and Keene voted unani- 
mousl}' to consolidate into one congregation and session, 
under the name of Amity. This " action was ratified" by 
Presbytery, October 15, 1861. 

The session was Rev. W. A. McConnell, George Ford, 
John Irvine, William Richie, Richard Richie, James T. 
Boyd, John Williamson, and James Boyd. 

Mr. McConnell labored with ability and success until 
some difficulties arose. He resigned his charge at the meet- 
ing of Presbytery, June, 1864, on the ground that he had 
not got the encouragement and support to harmonize the 
charge he was led to expect. He left on the IStli of Sep- 
tember, 1864. At that time Amity had one hundred and 
thirty members. Amity has had no settled pastor since. 
The membership at present is forty-seven. 

The Rev. J. C. Boyd, of Utica, Ohio, and the Rev. 
Joshua W. Wait, of Lincoln county, Tennessee, were 
reared in this congregation. 

Tlie congregation of Avondale was organized autumn of 
1873, Rev. Andrew McCartney officiating. Elders Robert 
C. Warren, Claudius Hamilton, James T. Boyd, and John 



230 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Doherty. Membership, about forty-five. They have a 
very neat frame building. 

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL. 

Bishop Mcllvaiue preached iu Coshocton in the old Pres- 
byterian church, standing on the square while it was not yet 
quite completed, 1835. Several unsuccessful movements 
have been madelookinc: to the oro;anization of a congreo-ation 
of the P. E. church in Coshocton. For more than a year, 
preaching by a minister of that church was kept up inRos- 
coe. Rev. C. Sturgiss lived for some time, about 1844, in 
Keene, conducting an academy and preaching to a little 
flock at •' the Knob," in Millcreek township, where, through 
the influence of John Mitchell and others, a church was or- 
ganized about forty years ago. There is, at that place, a 
neat little stone church, but only a few members, and there 
has been no service for nearly two years. 

A movement was made for a church of this order at 
Newcastle, and services w^ere conducted for some time by 
the professors at Gambler, but little headway was made. 

Rev. J. D. Nuncmacher is preaching to a congregation 
(without organization) composed mainly of Lutherans, in 
Coshocton, following in aline of work carried on for twenty 
years. There is also a congregation of similar sort at Ilel- 
mick, in Clark township. 

At " Ramur Meeting-house," in Keene township, there 
is gathered a " Christian Union" church — a denomination 
growing out of the late war, proclaiming as one of its 
cardinal doctrines, " no politics in the church." 

Another organization of same kind w^as organized in 
East Union, in 1866, and numbered over a hundred mem- 
bers. Still another church of this order is on Severns' 
Ridge in N^ew Castle township. 

UNITED BRETHREN. 

Twenty-five years ago there was a considerable church 
of the " United Brethren" worshiping in the Ramur Meet- 



JRelf'gious Institutions. 231 

ing-honse in Keeue township, but during the late civil war 
it was so divided and distracted as to become practically 
extinct, and Avas supplanted by the " Christian Union " 
church, now worshiping in same building. 

It is understood that there are two respectable congrega- 
tions of United Brethren in the east part of the county, one 
in White-eyes and one in Crawford township, but no de- 
tailed accounts of them have been obtained. 



232 Historical Collections of Coshocton County 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Charles Williams, the first white settler in Coshocton 
county, was unquestionably one of the most remarkable of 
its citizens. He was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, in 
1764. In his boyhood, the family removed to Western 
Virginia, near Wheeling. He married there Susannah 
Carpenter, "and moved to the neighborhood of the salt 
works on the Muskingum, ten miles below Coshocton, and 
subsequently to " the forks of the Muskingum." Of hardy 
stock, he grew up in the severest discipline of pioneer 
life. He was a successful trapper, hunter, Indian scout, 
and trader, and held every office (being almost all the time 
in some) in the county possible for a man of his education, 
from road supervisor and tax-collector to member of the 
legislature. He was famous as a tavern-keeper, and in 
that and other capacities became very popular. Clever, 
genial, naturally shrewd, indomitable in purpose, not 
averse to the popular vices of his day, and even making a 
virtue of profanity, he was for forty years a controlling 
spirit of the county, and for twenty-live, the controlling 
spirit. He died in 1840 (in his seventy-sixth year), leaving 
a considerable number of relatives, many of whom are 
still in the county. Two of his children were burned to 
death by the destruction by fire of the cabin built by him 
when he first settled at Coshocton. It is said that one of 
his daughters (the mother of C. H., Matthew, and Wm. A. 
Johnston), when twelve years old, w^as in the habit of doing 
the milling for the family, taking the grain on horseback 
to Zanesville, and bringing back the flour. The family was 
emphatically of the Pioneer sort. 

Thomas L. Hue, appointed as clerk of the court in 
1811, and candidate for the legislature in 1814, was the 



Brief Biographical Sketches. 333 

oldest son of Rev. Joseph Rue, of Peiiinngton, New Jer- 
sey — a well-known Presbyterian minister. He came to 
Coshocton county in 1811 ; a little later, went to New Or- 
leans, coming back the overland route. He married Miss 
Fulton, and for some years gave himself to the manage- 
ment of a large tract of land (since known as the Rickett's 
lands) near Coshocton, acquired by that alliance. After- 
ward he was engaged in trade with C. Van Kirk. He died 
in Roscoe, February 17, 1871 (aged eighty-eight years), at 
the house of Dr. M. Johnson, who had married his only 
child. He was a brother of Joseph W. Rue. 

James Renfrew, one of the earliest merchants in Coshoc- 
ton county, and for a few years county treasurer, and other- 
wise connected with public aftairs, was born at Lisburn, 
county Antrim, Ireland, in 1767. He brought to America 
a healthy body, a strong mind, and a little of this world's 
goods, which were steadily increased until his death. He 
commenced keeping store in Coshocton about 1815. In 
1820, while in Pittsburg, whither he was in the habit of 
going for goods, he married Mrs. Johnson, a widowed 
sister of old Dr. Kerr, of the A. R. Presbyterian church in 
that city. The children of this woman found in Mr. Ren- 
frew a most worthy step-father. He was an admirable 
counselor and helper while living, and a generous friend 
when dying. Both himself and his wife were most zeal- 
ous Presbyterians, and sought to have all connected with 
them honor the Lord. Beside the Johnsons (John, Jos. 
K., and Wm.), Robert Hay was an object of Mr. Renfrew's 
interest and business training, and always spoke in high- 
est terms of him. "VVm. Renfrew (quite prominent as a 
merchant and otherwise) and James Renfrew, Jr., were 
children of Mr. Renfrew by a connection formed prior to 
his coming to Coshocton. He had no children by the 
widow Johnson. Mr. Renfrew died in 1832, being in his 
sixty-fifth year. 

Abraham Sells was for more than half a century a resident 
of Coshocton county. His father's family located very early 



234 Histoj'ical Collections of Coshocton County. 

in the century near iS'ew Comerstown. Abraham learned 
his trade of cabinet-making at Marietta, and set up in 
Coshocton in 1814. He Avas for some time a justice of the 
peace, and also coroner of the county. He died September 
22, 1869, in his seventy-sixth j'ear. His widow, now about 
his age at death, resides in Coshocton with her son B. F. 
Sells. 

Dr, Samuel Lee was for more than sixty years a resident 
of Coshoctctn. He was born, and spent his boyhood, on a 
farm near Pultney, Vt. Having studied medicine at Cas- 
tleton, Vt., he came to Ohio in 1809 on invitation of, and 
along with, Rev. Timoth}- Harris, of Granville, Licking 
county, who was then minister of the church of Granville, 
and had gone to visit his friends in the east, and act as a 
sort of emigration agent. The trip to Ohio was made on 
vhorseback. The Doctor was always specially interested in 
horses, and once remarked that the first thing he ever 
owned was a horse, and he guessed it would be the last 
thing he would give up. After he had been in Granville 
about two 3'ears (in which time he married Miss Sabra 
Case, who was an help-meet indeed, and who preceded him 
to the grave some three years), he came to Coshocton on 
the hunt of an estrayed or stolen horse. The town was 
then a m^re hamlet, and wanted a physician, and lie removed 
at once. Practice was then no play. A ride of forty miles 
in visiting a patient was of common occurrence. The perils 
and exposures of the new country gave the Doctor plenty 
of work, and his originall}' vigorous constitution and active 
habits were heavily taxed, and drafts made upon them bear- 
ing heavily upon his later j-ears. For years before his death 
he was much crippled and very hard of hearing. He died 
at the house of his sou, Dr. S. H. Lee, on the 19th of March, 
1874, having completed within four days his eighty-ninth 
year. 

Dr. Lee had undoubted adaptations for his time and 
place. The roughness and freedom and econoni}- of pio- 
neer life did not misfit him. He was very genial ; could 
tell a good story, and crack a joke with the joUiest of the 



Brief Biographical Sketches. 235 

men and women of his day. He nsed to tell with zest how 
he had taken aback some old ladies who had been sum- 
moned to attend a young unmarried woman who had been 
"unfortunate," and was then in straits, by proposing very 
gravely " a corn poultice," a favorite application of that 
day, and pretending that he did not understand the case, 
being misled by the fact that the woman was an unmar- 
ried one. 

His patriotism and philanthropy are pleasant things in 
the remembrance of his friends. Although holding public 
office but twice — that of county treasurer, in very early 
days, and that of State senator in 1826-27 — he was always 
interested in public affairs. While an intense hater of the 
system of slavery, he was anything but bitter to those who 
were entangled, by their birth and surroundings, in that 
system. There are abundant evidences of his friendly dis- 
position in his readiness to go on their official bonds, and 
otherwise stand for his neighbors. His conscientiousness 
and diligence in his profession none have questioned. He 
had a quick-wittedness and strong common sense that often 
stood in lieu of profundity of attainment. Among those 
with whom he had to do, he could, with a lancet and a lit- 
tle calomel, and jalap and a corn poultice, effect all that 
many now-a-days can do with the nicer instrumental appli- 
ances and amply furnished apothecary shops. He was not 
what might be called a scholarly man, but always the friend 
of intelligence. The first school-house built in Coshocton 
was on a site granted to Dr. Lee and his associates. By 
industry and economy he always lived comfortably, and at 
his death left a considerable portion. 

He really reared two sets of children — his own and those 
of his daughter Avho married Robert M. Lamb — beside hav- 
ing some care over the children of another daughter, Mrs. 
Jamieson. 

The Doctor, at an early day, owned almost the entire 
square bounded by Fourth, Fifth, Main, and Walnut streets. 
He had a farm just east of town ; but his residence was for 
the most of his life in the brick house at corner of Fourth 
and Main streets. 



236 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

His shrewdness and strict honesty in business transac- 
tions were prominent features in his character. His cred- 
itors were generally few, and debtors many. 

Before leaving his New England home, Dr. Lee openly 
committed himself to the service of God, and espoused the 
religion that stood him in stead unto the last. 

For adherence to his convictions of duty in a religious 
way, he was well known ; and in exhibiting gave and bore 
much. For thirty-five years ho was an elder in the Pres- 
byterian church. 

Feeble in body and failing in mind, for some time in 
latest years, he never forgot the Bible and his family wor- 
ship, and wanted to be reckoned a child of God. 

James Robhison came with his father's family into the 
locality now known as Franklin township, Coshocton 
county, then the ^Northwestern territory, in 1801. He was 
born in Clarksburg, Harrison county, Virginia, in 1787. 
He served one term as associate judge, and two terms in 
the legislature ; but he seems to have taken most interest 
in his broad acres, and to have been chiefly famed as a 
large land-holder and enterprising farmer. He was also 
very actively interested in the Methodist Episcopal church, 
being chiefly instrumental in the planting of the Bethany 
church, where his descendants still worship. He died May 
7, 1856. 

Thomas Darling was born in Hardy county, Virginia, 
November 7, 1799. His father brought the familv to the 
Walhonding valley (near W^arsaw) in 1806. The journey 
was made on horseback, the mother having an infant on 
the horse before her, and the little boy, Thomas, holding 
on to her, as he rode behind. 

His life was mainly given to farming. He was, however, 
a public-spirited citizen, and for a number of years served 
the county as a commissioner, the record of which service 
appears in another part of this volume. In later years, he 
was much interested in blooded cattle, and introduced 
some valuable stock into the valley in which he lived. He 



Brief Biog7'afhical Sketches. 237 

died December 27, 1874, being seventy-live years and about 
one montla old. 

He married Miss Demie Butler, and reared a considera- 
ble family ; and his family connections enter largely into 
the social fabric of^the Walhonding valley, as well as ex- 
tending into other localities. 

Benjamin Ricketts was born near Cumberland, Maryland. 
Learning his trade as a hatter in that town, he afterward 
opened a shop at Marietta ; still later, had one in Zanes- 
ville. Giving up his shop, he set up a store in West Zanes- 
ville. He commenced selling goods in Coshocton in 1818, 
and in the spring of 1820, brought the family to the town. 
His successful prosecution of business was most clearly ap- 
parent in the accumulations attending it. He became a 
large land-holder and well-known citizen. 

He served one term as county commissioner. He and 
the opposing candidate were " tied " on the vote, and by 
lot the office devolved upon Mr. Ricketts. He was never 
much enamored of public office, and, it is understood, never 
held any except this one. 

His church connection was with the Methodist Episco- 
palians. 

Like many, indeed nearl}^ or quite all, of the successful 
and prominent men of Coshocton county, Mr. Ricketts was 
greatly aided in all his life's work by his wife, who, at the 
good old age of nearly eighty-iive years, is still living in 
Coshocton. She was from Hampshire county, Virginia ; 
was married when about sixteen years of age, in 1807. 

Mr. Ricketts died July 1, 1857. His descendants and 
connections are many, and few families have been better 
known " in the gates " than his. 

John Carhart stood for more than half a century before 
the people of Coshocton county as a steadfast worker and 
zealous Christian man. 

He was born near Dresden ; learned the tanner's trade in 
Zanesville ; came to near Roscoe (one mile north) about 
1821, and set up a tannery. He was also in mercantile line 



238 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

for a time — was one of the partners in " Union Mill ; " lat- 
terly, gave whole attention to leather business. 

Early in life, identified himself with Baptist church, and 
was steadfast in the faith. Was an enthusiastic Sunday- 
school man ; and, as none of his owfi views were in the 
place, co-operated zealously with the Methodist Episcopal 
and Presbyterian schools. 

He died December 6, 1873, being a little more than 
seventy-three years old. 

James Le JRct'dley was born in the Isle of Guernsey, in 
1788. He came to this country in 1806, settling in Guern- 
sey county, where was a settlement of people from the 
island of the same name. Removing to Muskingum 
county, at a point about ten miles below Coshocton, he 
engaged in the manufacture of salt, along with George 
Bagnall. They made about six bushels a day at three dol- 
lars a bushel, or exchanged a bushel for twelve bushels of 
wheat. Their salt was carried to remote points, some of 
it by canoes and pirogues up the Killbuck almost to 
Wooster. In 1825, the Kanawha and lower Muskingum 
salt coming into market, largely rendered the business of 
Hetilley & Bagnall unprofitable, and they removed to 
Caldersburg (Roscoe). lietilley and William Wood set up 
a dry-goods store (in a log-cabin), the first in the place. 
After a few years Wood retired, and the firm became Bag- 
nall & lietilley, and for years was very prominent in trade 
circles, doing a very large business. 

Mr. Retilley was one of the associate judges of the 
county, and an active adherent of the Methodist church in 
Roscoe. He died in December, 1850, aged sixty-two years. 
He was twice married. His second wife (the daughter of 
T. Emerson of Keeue), now resides in Granville. His de- 
scendants are still well known in the land. 

Thomas Johnson, by the documentary history of the 
county, and the concurrent testimony of survivors, was one 
of the most prominent and spirited citizens. He was born 
in the parish of Glentubert, Monaghan county, Ireland, 
on the IGth of March, 1783. Early in youth he manifested 



Brief Biographical Sketches. 239 

a great desire to go to America, and urged his father to 
emigrate. He, being a very quiet, unobtrusive man, with 
quite a family of, young children, could not think of bring- 
ing them to the wilds of America. Thomas remained with 
his father until he was twenty-four years of age, and had 
brothers grown up. lie then told his father he was deter- 
mined to go to the new world, and urged his suit with so 
much ardor that his parents could no longer withhold their 
consent. He left Ireland in 1806, and landed in I*[ew York 
with but one sovereign in his pocket. He there met with Jo- 
seph T.Baldwin, of Newark, ITew Jersey, who offered to em- 
ploy him. He remained with Mr. Baldwin for three years. 
In 1808, he married Sarah Parker. About this time his 
parents and three brothers, Richard, William, and Robert, 
and his only sister, Margaret, joined him in ISTewark. 
Thomas then determined that Newark was not the place 
for his father's family to settle, and in 1808 he and his 
father's family came to Coshocton county, where they 
bought a quarter section of land from Esaias Baker, on 
which now stand the old homestead and also the village of 
East Plaiufield and cemetery, in which his first son, William, 
was the first to be buried. In 1812, he and his brother, 
Richard, were in the army under General Harrison. He 
held the ofiice of justice of the peace, and was long an 
associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He and 
Jacob Waggoner built the first mill of any note on Will's 
creek, of four run of burrs, that tapped a radius of twenty 
miles. From 1820 to 1830, he ran several flat-boats to New 
Orleans and other points south. He nearly lost his life the 
first cholera season. In running the dam at Zanesville one 
time he and two of his oarsmen were thrown out of the boat 
by the oars striking the pier of the bridge. Mr. Rankin, 
being a good swimmer, got out, William Smith was drowned, 
and he was rescued from the water by the exertions of sher- 
ifl' Daniel Brush. Once, finding yellow-fever prevailing in 
New Orleans, and markets dull, he concluded to coast out 
his load of provisions, and poled his boat up the Tennessee 
as far as Florence, where muscle shoals prevented his further 
passage. He had large contracts on the Ohio canal. Owing 



240 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

to the high banks and mud bottoms, there was a difficulty 
in fording Will's creek at his mills, and the commissioners 
being unable or unwilling to assist in bridging said stream, 
he petitioned the legislature, in 1834, to authorize him to 
build a bridge and collect toll. This was the lirst bridge span- 
ning Will's creek in Coshocton county, and remained a toll- 
bridge about twenty years, when his son made a free-will of- 
fering of the bridge to the county commissioners, they agree- 
ing to repair and keep it up. He was connected with the 
building of the bridges that span the Tuscarawas and Wal- 
honding rivers between Coshocton and Roscoe. From 1838 
to 1840 he had heavy contracts on the Walhonding canal. 
In 1812, the pioneer Methodist preacher founded this settle- 
ment, and the Johnson famil}^ were the first to unite in 
church fellowship. Thomas was appointed leader of the 
class, and also steward, which office he held to the day of 
his death. His house was always the preacher's home. 
About 1835, he built the largest meeting-house in the vicin- 
ity, on his land and principally at his own expense, giving 
it by will to the trustees of Coshocton circuit, and their suc- 
cessors in office. After a protracted sickness, which first 
made itself manifest while attending court in Coshocton, he 
died, August 20, 1840, in full resignation and in great peace. 
His widow survived him almost twent^'-two years, dying 
at the old homestead, March 29, 1862. His father also sur- 
vived him eighteen days, dying September 7, 1840, in the 
eighty -first year of his age. Robert Johnson, his youngest 
brother, moved from near Plainfield, twenty years ago, and 
settled in Colwell county, Missouri, being in his seventy- 
eighth year, and the only survivor of the old stock. 

Joseph Burns. — His father, Samuel Burns, removed from 
Waynesburg, Augusta county, Virginia (where Joseph was 
born), to Ohio, in 1815. The family were about a year in 
New Philadelphia, and then came down the river in a 
pirogue, or large canoe, to Coshocton, making their loca- 
tion in this county in 1816. Joseph was at that time about 
sixteen years old, having been born March 11, 1800. Fa- 
vored by nature with a good appearance and great affabil- 



Brief Biographical Sketches. 241 

ity of manner, and being skilled in the art of penmanship, 
he was soon a young man of note in the neighborhood. 
His first appearance in public capacity was probabl}^ in 
1818, wJien he served as clerk at an election in Tuscarawas 
township, at which his father was one of the judges. In 
1821 he was run by his friends for the office of auditor, and 
perhaps that time and once afterward, when he ran for a 
second term in Congress, were the only occasions in which 
he did not secure the coveted position. This work, under 
the heads of "County Officers" and "Relations to State 
and iS^ational Governments," will show the offices of public 
sort filled by him. Except a brief period in his youth spent 
in farming, and another in his maturer life spent in keeping 
a drug-store, his whole active life of more than fifty years 
was spent in public work, l^ever very exacting as to fees, 
and always free with his purse among his friends and fellow 
citizens, he left at the end of his days only a moderate por- 
tion. Many men with more of greed, or less honest or fru- 
gal in general habits, would have amassed great wealth with 
his opportunities. The aft'ection of the large Virginia and 
Maryland elements in the population of the county for him 
was something worthy of study. The stock of which he 
came was the old Scotch-Irish, so largely prominent in the 
whole history of the country. His parents Avere Presbyte- 
rians, and his philosophy and faith partook of the old Cove- 
nanter cast. He alwaj^'s had some taste for military affairs, 
and was a major-general of the militia. 

He was twice married — his first wife was Rebecca Price, 
and his second was Mrs. Alex. Hay. One of his sons was 
educated at West Point, and was durins' the war a brio^a- 
dier-general, and another was clerk of the United States 
District Court of Iowa for some years. He had in all six 
sons and two daughters, and these with his widow survive 
him. 

His latter days were rendered distressful by the nature of 
his disease — dropsy of the chest; but he continued, until 
within a few hours of his death, to transact at his home 
such of the business of his office (that of probate judge) as 
must receive his personal attention. Rising from his bed, 



242 Uisiorical Collections of Coshocton County. 

and essaying to take a few steps, be sank to the floor, and 
in a moment was done with the burdens and honors of life, 
which he had received so largely and borne so bravely. lie 
was a little more than a month beyond his seventy-fifth 
year. 

John Burns was born in Waynesburg, Augusta coun- 
ty, Virginia, in the year 1807. He moved with his father's 
family to New riiiladelphia, Tuscarawas county, in 1815, 
and in April, 1816, they moved to Coshocton county, as has 
been detailed in connection Avith the sketch of his brother, 
Joseph Burns. lie remained with his father until 1828, 
when he went to Chillicothe as a clerk with his brother-in- 
law, John Smeltzer, and remained there one year. He then 
came to Roscoe, and clerked in the dry-goods store of John 
Smeltzer and his successors (Medbery & Ransom) until 
1838, when he became a member of the firm, under the 
name of Medber}-, Burns & Co. In 1840 he dissolved his 
connection with Medbery, and formed a connection with 
Samuel Moffitt for the sale of dry goods, under the firm 
name of Burns k Moftitt. lie continued in said firm until 
1845, when Mofiitt retired, and the firm was changed to 
Burns & Retilley, and remained so until 1860, when he 
bought Retilley out, and continued in business in his own 
name until his death. He died July 31, 1871, aged sixty- 
four years. 

His good sense and integrity were marked qualities. 
Thoroughly interested in public affairs, and always a zeal- 
ous partisan, and ready to help his friends to ottice, he 
never had any desires in that direction for himself, and it 
is believed never held any official position. He was a pains- 
taking and successful business and family man. 

John Johnson was a prominent citizen of Coshocton county 
for nearly half a century. He was born in county Tyrone, 
Ireland ; came to America in 1816, and to Coshocton about 
1820. Under the direction of his stepfatlier, James Ren- 
frew, and after the manner of bis time, he learned tbe tan- 
ner's trade. He was a member of the well-known mer- 



Brief Biographical Sketches. 243 

chandising and banking firm, W. K. Johnson & Co, For 
some years, abont 1840, he resided at Walhonding. He 
represented Coshocton district in the npper honse of the 
Legishxtnre, and was also a member of the lower honse in 
Congress. He w^as a member of the State Constitutional 
Convention 1850-51. His health was not firm for some 
3^ears before he died, and on this and other accounts he wa& 
not so much engaged with public affairs in his later years 
as in earlier ones. With limited education, his industry 
and native shrewdness and caution enabled him to achieve 
a considerable degree of business and political success. He 
was averse to display, and believed in "solid" things. He 
was a devout adherent of the Fresbj-terian church, in the 
faith of which he iiad been tlioroughly trained. He died 
February 5, 1867. His wife was Miss Harriet Humrick- 
house, and he died Avitliout issue. 

William K. Johnson was born in County Tyrone in Ire- 
land, and when only seven years of age was brought to 
America. The family, after a brief stay in Baltimore, 
came to Pittsburg, w'here a brother of Mrs. Johnson (Rev. 
Dr. Kerr) was living. About 1820 i\Irs. Johnson was mar- 
ried to James Renfrew, then doing business in Coshocton^ 
and the Johnson children thus and then came to Coshocton. 
At first a clerk, and then a partner in the mercantile busi- 
ness, and afterward in banking and in real estate opei'ations. 
William K. Johnson was for many years regarded as a 
representative business man of the county. He had the 
confidence of the whole community, and his name was a 
synonym for integrity, sobriety, diligent application to 
business, and great prudence. By all the sons of the Em- 
erald Isle, especially, he was looked to as a wise counselor. 
His approbation of any matter of town and county interest 
was regarded as quite important in order to its accomplish- 
ment. His views and actions haye ver}^ largely shaped the 
social and business aftairs of the region where for nearly 
forty years he lived and labored. He was for many years 
a member of the board of education and of the town coun- 
cil of Coshocton. He was postmaster for some fifteen 



244 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

jears. lie was connected with the Steiibenville and In- 
diana raih'oad, as a director, from its organization until his 
death, lie was one of the most regular attendants and 
spirited supporters of the Presbj'terian Church. In the 
earlier years of its history, he superintended the Sabbath- 
school, and led the congregational singing. For a number 
of years he served the County Bible society as its treasurer 
and de}iository. While not uninterested in political altairs, 
he had little ambition in that line. 

lie married, in 1836, Miss Elizabeth Ilumrickhouse, who, 
with six children, survived him. His death occurred in 
comparatively ^arly years, he being about fifty years old. 
He died Monday (having been iu his place of business on 
Saturday), December 10, 1860. 

Bobert Hay was born in Count}' Derry, Ireland, in Feb- 
ruary, 1801. He came to America in 1817, and was em- 
ployed in stores in Pittsburg for two years, and theu came 
to Coshocton in the employ of James Renfrew. After a 
clerkship of a few years, he became a partner with Mr. 
Renfrew, and subsequently with William Renfrew. For 
fifty years he was in business. He was iu his store when 
taken with his last illness. No man ever stood higher in 
the community for truthfulness, honesty, promptitude, and 
careful application to business. Trained in the old school 
of merchants, he was a strict disciplinarian, and despised 
all trifling and trickery. He always was liimself to be 
found at his business in business hours, and expected a 
conscientious devotion to his interest on the part of his 
employes, whom he always regarded with kindly interest. 
For the worthy poor he had always much sympathy, and 
was especially ready to help them to help themselves. He 
served the county for several years as county treasurer, but 
was never inclined to public station. In the regular pros- 
ecution of his business as a merchant and distiller, he 
steadily increased his worldly estate, and by the vast accre- 
tions iu connection with the excise tax in the earlier part 
of the war, left at his death the largest estate ever admin- 
istered upon in Coshocton county. 



Brief Biographical Sketches. 245 

He maiM-ied Miss Mary Corbin, of Granville, 0., in 1858. 
She and one child preceded him to the grave, and two 
children survived him. He died, after a few days' illness, 
May 3, 1869, at the honse of his brother James, which for 
some time he had made his home. 

John Mlliott, for many years commonly designated as 
" Deacon Elliott," belonged to a family of mark, all win- 
ning considerable fame, despite what wonld be accounted 
an unfavorable condition at the start. The family came 
from Ireland. The mother's piety seems to have been as 
strong a determining force in the children as the hard sense 
of the father. One of the sons, Samuel Elliott, was asso- 
ciate judge of the county ; another, Charles, became a very 
prominent minister in the M. E. Church. The deacon was 
thrown, in early life, into Presbyterian surroundings, and, 
though not favorably affected at first, after thorough study, 
adopted that form of Christian faith, and held to it through 
all his life with notable pertinacity. He united with the 
church under Rev. Elisha McCurdy, of Western Pennsyl- 
vania. After learning thoroughly the carpenter's trade, he 
spent some time in erecting mission buildiugs — church, 
school-house, and dwellings — for the use of the Presbyte- 
rian missionaries among the Sandusky Indians. He was a 
citizen of Coshocton county about forty years. The first 
Presbyterian Church of Coshocton and the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church of same place, and some others in the coun- 
try, were built by him. About 1855 he went to Iowa, with 
the purpose of making that his home, but in a few years 
returned to Coshocton, and, after working a few years, 
ended his days in August, 1869. Strong sense and stead- 
fast piety were characteristics of the man. Indiflerent as to 
personal appearance, and exceedingly blunt in expression, 
he compelled tlie respect and regard of all who became to 
any extent acquainted with him. He was one of the two 
first chosen elders of the PresbyteVian Church of Coshoc- 
ton, and an almost never-failing attendant upon the church 
prayer-meetings, which he always found time to attend. 

He married Miss Blj^the, of Fayette county, Pa. She 



246 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

lived only a tew years, and left one son (John B. Elliott), 
at whose home the old deacon died, September 2, 1868, 
being sixty-eight years old. 

T>£a. Taliafero Vickers was a leading citizen in AYasbing- 
ton township. He was born in Prince "William's county, 
Virginia, ou the 22d of September, 1789. He came to 
Coshocton county in 1827. Early in life, he identified 
himself with the Baptists, and he died in the "Wakatomika 
Baptist Church on Sunday, February 19, 1863, He had 
gone to the church in his usual health, and his last utter- 
ance was an " amen " spoken while the minister was read- 
ing Kev. 1:18. A moment after, the attention of the con- 
gregation was drawn to him, and those going to him found 
him dead. 

^Vln. Brown was for eighteen years, from 1822 to 1840, a 
merchant and general business man in West Carlisle, of 
which town he was one of the original proprietors. He 
was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania ; spent a few 
years, before coming to Coshocton county, at St. Clairs- 
ville, Belmont county. His parents were from Germany, 
spelling their name Braun. His wife was Scotch-Irish. 
By the combination of the virtues of the two races, the 
Browns won for themselves great consideration in their 
neiii'hborhood, and, thous^h starting in their wedded life 
with very little, amassed quite a respectable fortune. Mr. 
Brown was for many years a justice of the peace and post- 
master under Monroe, J. Q. Adams, Jackson, and Van 
Buren, although he was a very decided Adams and Clay 
man. He was an excellent horseman, and skilled in the 
use of the rifle, and these things helped him greatly in the 
state of society found in his day in the region of West 
Carlisle. In public movements and proper sports, he was 
never lacking, and was often recognized as a leader, and 
made the object of a good deal of " backwoods homage." 

And yet, with all his activity in business and interest in 
the social life of the people, Mr. Brown is represented as 
having been a very earnest and faithful man in his religious 



Brief Biographical Sketches. 247 

duties. Family worship was on no excuse intermitted ; 
the Sabbath was sacredly regarded ; and Avhen, as before 
and after a communion in the church, there was preaching, 
the store was shut, although he loved business, and avowed 
his intention to give himself steadily to it, and to make 
money for his family. His house was the " minister's 
hold," and he was one of the most active meml:)ers of the 
Presbyterian church from its organization, contributing 
largely of his means to it, and especially in the erection of 
the building still in use by the congregation. 

In 1840, he removed to Logansport, Indiana, and there 
died March 4, 1859. His 'wife, inheriting a considerable 
estate from her father, gave it all to foreign missions. One 
of the sons, Wm. L. Brown, Acting Brigadier-General of 
the Indiana Infantr}', was killed at the second battle of 
Bull Run. Three sons became Presb3'terian ministers. J. 
C, who died while pastor at Valparaiso, Indiana ; Hugh 
A. was a missionary to China, and has been for many years 
pastor of a church in Virginia ; and Frederick T. (the only 
child born in Coshocton county, and who even 3'et glories 
in being a Buckeye), who had charge of a church in Cleve- 
land, then of one in Alexandria, D. C, then was in St. 
Paul, Minn., and is now at Ann Arbor, Mich. 

Alexander Renfrew came from Union county, Pennsyl- 
vania, where he was born August 18, 1801, to Coshocton 
county in 1826, and remained therein until his death on 
his farm in Keene township, February 13, 1872. He mar- 
ried Miss Carnahan in 1833, who, with three children, 
survives him. Starting in life with little, he, hy a life of 
industry and frugality, amassed a very considerable estate. 
Public life had little attractions, and his record is that of a 
quiet citizen, a successful farmer, and a busy man, mani- 
festing the virtues of domestic and business life. 

Eli Nichols was for forty years a well-known citizen of 
Coshocton count3\ He was for many years, ending with 
his death, the largest land-owner in the county, being in 
occupancy of the quarter township of Xew Castle, now 



248 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

held by his son, Lloyd !Isichols. He came from Belmont 
county, Ohio. 

His death occurred at his liomc, after an illness of only 
two days. His age was seventy-two years. His wife pre- 
ceded him to the grave but a few months. 

His interest in education, and especially his attachment 
to the public-school system, was often avowed. 

He was born and reared in the Quaker church, but in 
after years disavowed the religious principles of that body, 
and repudiated the Bible as an infallible book. In early 
manhood, he took an active part in the operations of the 
Colonization Society, but soon abandoned it, and hencefor- 
ward gloried in being an "Abolitionist." 

His gentleness of nature made him patient amid whatever 
reproach he encountered in this, as in other lines of thought 
and action ; and it is claimed for him that, whatever his 
antipathy to the system of slavery, and his sympathy with 
the oppressed, ho was always wonderfully lenient toward 
the slave-holder. 

In his later years, he became much interested in " Spirit- 
ualism," and much of his time in his declining years was 
given to study of this, and he became a full believer in it, 
continuing in this faith unto the last of earth. 

ReAi. Nathaniel Con/dm was for many years a most zealous 
and successfnl minister of the Presbyterian Chnrch in 
Coshocton county. He studied at Princeton, jST ew Jersey ; 
preached for some ten years at Frankfort, Sussex county, 
in that state, and came to this county about 1834. He la- 
bored at Coshocton, Keene, Clark (where he organized the 
church), West Carlisle, and near Warsaw (where he organ- 
ized the church), in the days of the feebleness of all the 
churches in this region. 

After leaving Coshocton county, about 1844, he labored 
for a time at Muskingum church, near Dresden. He then 
removed to Indiana, taking charge of the Covington church 
in that state. Broken by his missionai-y laboi", he returned 
to his old home state, and, as he was able, supplied some 
churches there. 



Brief Biographical Sketches. 249 

He died in 1866. His wife died in 1837, and lies in the 
Keene churchyard ; and a son, born while he labored at 
Keene, Eev. N". W. Conklin, is now pastor of a large and 
vigorous church in New York city. 

G. W. Silliman was the son of a lawyer (Willys Silli- 
man) practicing at Zanesville, and a nephew of Lewis Cass.' 
He pursued his academical studies at Ohio University, and 
afterward at the military academy at West Point. Having 
read law with his father in Zanesville, he was admitted, and 
soon thereafter came to Coshocton (about 1830). He was 
sent as bearer of dispatches to C. P. Van Ness, minister 
from the United States to Spain. He returned to Coshoc- 
ton in 1838 ; was soon elected prosecuting attorney, and by 
re-election continued in the office for ten years. In 1843, 
he went on a voyage to Europe for his health, but was not 
greatly benefited, and on his return voyage grew rapidly 
worse, and died at sea. His remains were brought to New 
York, and interred in Greenwood Cemetery. 

In 1834, he married Miss Ann Johnson, who survived 
him many years, dying in 1864. There was one child, 
Willys Cass Silliman, who survived the father only about 
two years. Mr. Silliman's reputation is that of genial, 
scholarly gentleman. 

Robert 31. Lamb was from Eastern Virginia. He came 
to Coshocton, and was emploj^ed as miller in the Coshocton 
Steam Mill, about 1834; afterward, as one of the Union 
Mill Co., was concerned with the building and rutming of 
the Union Mill, in lower Eoscoe. He went to California in 
1849, and died of cholera in San Francisco the next year? 
in the forty -first year of his age. 

He married a daughter of Dr. S. Lee, and by her had 
three children, two of whom, Mrs. J. M. Thompson and 
Miss Emily, are residents of Coshocton ; the third, Mrs. 
Barse, living at Michigan City, Indiana. 

David Sj)avgler was born at Sharpsburg, Md., December 
24, 1796. In 1802, the family removed to Zanesville, Ohio 



250 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

Here the father established hhiiself in trade as a black- 
smith, and David, as his age and strength admitted, Avas a 
helper, and continued at the forge and anvil for years, learn- 
ing lessons of patient toil, and endurance, and self-reliance 
of vast advantage in later years. Subsequently, the father 
engaged in mercantile business, and in this, as in the 
other, David, as the eldest son, was his chief assistant. 
Study, however, was not neglected, and David profited dil- 
igently by his opportunities in that line, limited as they 
were. 

When twenty-five years of age, he commenced the 
study of law with Alex. Harper, and was admitted to jtrac- 
tice at a term of the Supreme Court of the State, held in 
Cleveland in 1824. He commenced practice in Zanesville. 
In 1830, he was nominated for representative for Muskin- 
gum county in the legislature, and polled far more than his 
(Whig) party vote, though not elected. In 1832 he came 
to Coshocton. Professional business poured upon him from 
the start, and beside he soon was taking a leading part in 
politics. In the fall of the same year in which he came 
into the county, he was nominated for representative from 
the Twelfth (then) Congressional District, and such Avas the 
esteem and popularity in which, as a lawyer riding the cir- 
cuit, that he was elected by a round majority, although the 
district (composed of Coshocton, Knox, Holmes, and Tus- 
carawas counties) had been hitherto in the hands of the 
opposite party. He was re-elected by the same constitu- 
ency ill 1834, by a still more decisive vote. Mr. Spangler 
was thoroughly satisfied with the [)olitical experience thus 
had, and proclaimed his determination to give his whole 
attention thereafter to professional practice. In 1844, his 
party, then in the ascendanc}- in the state, nominated him? 
by convention assembled at Columbus, for Governor, but 
he declined the nomination, insisting upon his tastes for 
private life, and his need of attention to professional busi- 
ness, and the claims of his family, es[)ecially those of his 
two sons, then in course of education. While in Washing- 
ton city in his first term as congressman he was admitted 
to practice in the United States Supreme Court, arguing a 



Brief Biographical Sketches. 251 

case carried up froni Ohio, and prevailing for his client. 
From 1836 to 1856, in which year he died (Octoher 18), his 
office and home, his neighbors and friends, received the 
whole of his time and attention. For some years before 
his death his health was far from vigorous. He was, it 
will be observed, about two months less tlian sixty years 
old. 

His parents w^ere member^ of the M. E. church, as was 
also tlie lady whom he married (December, 1829), Miss 
Elizabeth Grafton Etherington, of Baltimore, Md., and he 
w^as always awake to the interests of that body and ex- 
ceedingly helpful to it, although never a member. In the 
heaviest of his business and height of his fame, he would 
give nctive aid in the Sabbath-school and in the musical 
department of the church. 

He was initiated into the Masonic body about the time 
he attained his majority, and served in the capacity of 
Worshipful Master, Representative to Grand Lodire, of 
which he was S. G. Deacon, Grand Orator, and Deputy 
Grand Master. In 1846, the Lodge formerly established 
having become defunct, he, in connection with others, se- 
cured a dispensation for a new Lodge (Xo. 96), of which, 
for many years, he was W. M. 

His sympathy and readiness to associate freely with the 
masses — his great industry and energy — and his keen in- 
sight of human nature and ready wit were qualities giving 
him his place and [)Ower in public life. And with this is 
our present ^concern. He used to joke with his friends 
about his growth in popularity when a candidate, stating 
that in one township he doubled his vote — the fact subse- 
quently coming from him that tlie iirst time he ran he got 
in that township (a Democratic strongliold) one vote, and 
the second time ttoo. A young lady canie to his office to 
have him commence proceedings for " rape." After hear- 
ing the story, he said it was important he should know the 
case, and informed her that there was an offense called 
"rape," and one called " ra}»ee," and that the hitter cov- 
ered the case of the mildest possible resistance. She con- 



252 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

eluded the latter was her case, as he keenly suspected from 
the first. 

A minister of his church once undertook to deliver a 
learned controversial discourse, having very much to say 
about '• the original," Coming out of church, he quietly ob- 
served to a prominent lawyer of the place, of another faith, 
" That was a remarkable discourse ; remarkable, sir ; re- 
markable, sir; and especially remarkable, because neitherthe 
preaclier (as he knew) nor any of his hearers had any 
knowledge of that orio^inal lansfuao-e." 

Tefer Hum.riekhouse was only a few years a resident of 
Coshocton county, but as the paternal ancestor of one of 
the most prominent families of the county, may well find 
brief mention here. He was born in Germantown, Pa., 
August 26, 1783. His father soon after moved to Hagers- 
town, Md. After the manner of his time, he learned a 
trade, that of carriage-maker. In 1814, he removed to 
Brownsville, Pa. He came to Coshocton in 1834, and here 
died, August 23, 1839. He was the father of Thomas, and 
John, and AVm. Humrickliouse, and also of the wives of 
John Joseph K. and Wm. K. Johnson, of John G. Stew- 
art, and James Irvine, all being resident in Coshocton. 
Mrs. Kincaid, of Greenfield, Ohio, is also his daughter. 

Arnold Medherry was born in Xew Berlin, Chenango 
county, Xew York, March 24, 1806. He came to lioscoe 
in the fall of 1832, and remained a citizen of that place 
until his death, August 12, 1861. During this time he was 
one of the most prominent business men of the region. 
His farming, milling, merchandising, and connection with 
the [)ublic works, were features of the locality where car- 
ried on. Indomitable energy and ceaseless activity were 
his characteristics. He was undaunted before that which 
would have made many quail. He thought nothing of tak- 
ing his buggy, riding thirty miles to Mt. Vernon, and then 
taking the cars, thus reaching Cleveland in a few hours. 
Losing two flour-mills by fire, he within a few hours had 
amtters all arranged for building yet a third. A zealous 



Brief B/ogra-phical Sketches. 253 

politician, he 3'et had little desire for office. He was, how- 
ever, postmaster of lioscoe for many years, and was also 
county commissioner. Wlien the public works of the 
state, with which from the first he had been thoroughly 
acquainted, were offered for lease, he was one of the princi- 
pal lessees, and continued in that relation until his death. 
A single anecdote illustrates his keen discernment and dis- 
position to have the best in ever}^ line attainable. A 
wagon-maker having built him a wagon, called for his in- 
spection and acceptance of it. He discovered, by close 
examination, a few places stopped up and made to appear 
smooth and good by putty. The wagon-maker protested 
that there was no real defect ; that in fact the parts where 
the putty was, were as strong as any, and would do just as 
good work. " Very good, then," said Medberry, with his 
accustomed twinkle of the eye, "just you keep this wagon, 
and make me another all out of putt}^, and we will then see 
whether putty is as strong as oak." Severe requirement was 
the rule with him in his relations to his employes, and what 
he thus demanded he was ready to yield to those having 
rightful claims. 

His personal appearance was fine ; his manner calm and 
stately, but withal kind. 

His wife, who had been Miss Phcebe Denman, survived 
him several years, dying at the home of her daughter in 
Kansas. His two sons died in each case as they were 
approaching manhood. Two of his daughters are living 
in Kansas, the other in Columbus. 

Matthew Scott was born in county Donegal, Ireland, 
in 1795. He came to America in 1816, but lived at 
Cumberland, Maryland, until 1833, when he came to 
Coshocton county, settling in Virginia township, near 
Adam's mills. As the owner and cultivator of a consid- 
erable body of land ; as a man of diligence and integrity, 
of more than ordinary intelligence, and of fair education, 
Mr. Scott was long had in repute in the region where he 
dwelt. As an enthusiastic son of Erin, and a most earn- 
est and liberal adherent of the Presbyterian church, he was 



254 Historical Collections of Coshocton Cotmty. 

known by thousands. In 1856, he made a visit to the old 
land. He was for several 3'ears a director of the Western 
Theological Seminary at Pittsburg. He was a member of 
tlie general assembly of the Presbyterian church, meeting 
in Peoria, Hlinois, 1863. He was always a warm friend 
of the colored people, and was chiefly instrumental in es- 
tablishing a school for the education of colored girls, 
called " Scotia Seminary," in Xorth Carolina. Having no 
children, and his wife having died before him, he gave 
almost his whole estate — of some $25,000 — for educational, 
missionary, and other benevolent purposes, in connection 
with the Presbyterian church, a large part going to the 
support of the little church in which he had long been an 
elder, and in wliich his kindred hold yet a large place. 
For some time before his death, Mr. Scott had been in 
poor health. Early on the morning of the 13th of Sep- 
tember, 1872, the family of the brother with whom he had 
been staying for some days, were alarmed by his absence 
from the house and the appearance of his forsaken bed- 
room, and search having been made, his dead body was 
found, after some hours, in the Muskingum river, which 
flowed through his lands. 

John Loekard died near Chili, September 20, 1868, in his 
eightieth year. He was a native of county Donegal, Ire- 
land; emigrated to America in 1819; settled near Steuben- 
ville, but after a few years removed to Coshocton county. 

Sharon Williams died at his residence in Keene township 
on the 19th of August, 1868. He emigrated from Virginia 
in 1812, and resided in the same vicinity until his death, 
being a period of fifty-six years. 

Isaac Darling died at his residence in Jefferson township, 
March 26, 1869. He was born in Eastern Virginia in 1796, 
and emigrated with his parents to Ohio in 1806, settling at 
his manhood upon the place on which his early life was 
spent, and remaining there till his death. He was for many 
years a prominent member of the Jefierson Baptist church. 



Brief Biographical Sketches. 255 

Matthew Trimble died at liis home in Perry township, 
March 13, 1871. He was a native of Donegal, Irekmd; 
had l)een many years in Coshocton county, lie was sixty- 
six years of age. Was a devout meml)er of the Protestant 
Episcopal church. 

Vt'iWam Pancake died Ma^^ 26, 1867, in "Warsaw. He was 
horn in Harrisburg, Pa., and in early life removed to Colum- 
biana county, and thence, after a few^ years, to Coshocton 
county, where he married, and became a permanent resi- 
dent. He was in his seventy-fifth year. Had been many 
years a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Bcuben B. Whittaker, for more than forty years a resident 
of Coshocton count3% died on his farm, in Jefferson town- 
ship, on the 11th of April, 1868, in the sixty-eighth year 
of his age. 

Bev. James W. Pigman was born near the town of Cresap, 
Allegheny county, Md., in 1806; settled in Coshocton in 
1810. His connection with the Methodist Episcopal church 
commenced in 1837, and he continued as a local preacher 
until 1866^ when he became a minister in the Christian 
Union church, and so continued until his death, which 
occurred in Perry township October 26, 1869. 

Samuel Brilhart died at his home, in Monroe tow^nship, 
September 23, 1870, in his seventy-sixth year. He emi- 
grated from the State of Virginia in 1836 ; was one of the 
pioneers of Monroe tow^nship. He was a member of the 
l^azarene Baptist church, and left quite a large family. 

Mattlieio Ferguson, a well-known resident of Roscoe, died 
of apoplexy 6\\ March 4, 1871, in the eightieth year of his 
age. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1792, lived for a time 
in Zanesville, then ten years in Coshocton, passing thence 
to Roscoe, where w^as his home for thirty-seven years. He 
was a hatter by trade. He was several times elected a 
justice of the peace. He married Miss Mary Smeltzer in 



256 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

1819, by whom he had twelve childreu. He wus a " char- 
ter member oi' Coshocton Lodge of Masons." 

John C. Tidhall was born June 5, 1801, in what then was 
Allegheny county (now Lawrence), Pa. He graduated at 
Jefferson College; was ordained a minister in tlie Presbyte- 
rian church, in 1826, at Island Creek, 0. He subsequently 
preached at Morrisville, Belmont county. His unques- 
tionable ability was connected with a certain measure of 
eccentricity which frequently involved him in more or less 
of trouble, often leading to expostulations on the part of 
his brethren in the ministry, under which he grew some- 
what restive. While in Belmont county, he became more 
and more dissatisfied with the position of his own and 
also of kindred churches upon the matter of slavery. 
Meanwhile his health was quite impaired. In this state of 
things, he turned to the law, and having read with Carlo 
C. Carroll, of Belmont county, was admitted to the bar, 
practically demitting the ministr3^ He came to Coshocton 
in 1848, and practiced more or less until his death. His 
keen insight and earnest and impassioned delivery were 
marked features in his practice ; but calm investigation 
and cool judgment were not always so apparent, and his 
success in business was only moderate. His thorough chis- 
sical education made him a valuable man in school matters, 
and to his efforts must, in some considerable amount, be 
attributed the deepened and enlarged interest in education 
apparent in the town of Coshocton soon after he came into 
it. He connected himself with first the one and then the 
other of the Presbyterian churches of Coshocton, and main- 
tained his position as a Christian man unto the last. He 
had in earlier days paid no little attention to medical mat- 
ters, and was ready on all occasions to visit the sick, and 
make himself useful in times of afiliction. He was a very 
zealous politician — intensely anti-slavery. He had, how- 
ever, little disposition to carr}^ his partisanship into his 
social relations, and was in every way a kind neighbor and 
clever citizen. He had a large vein of humor, and keenly 
relished the ludicrous. His power of facial expression was 



Brief Biographical Sketches. 257 

wonderful — quite in the style of bis friend, Sam Galloway, 
of Columbus. 

In tbe summer of 1863, be got word of tbe serious illness 
of a son, tben in tbe army at Yicksburg, and against tbe 
counsels of bis friends be went to visit bim. Tbe son 
recovered before tbe fatber reacbed tbe place ; but tbe old 
gentleman took sick, struggled back bome, and died in a 
few days, on tbe lltb of August, 1863. 

Wbile preacbing at Island Creek, be married Miss Hun- 
ter, who, with her children, N. R., Haddasab, and W. S. 
Tidball, still live in Coshocton, Tbeopbilns Tidball, of 
Bedford township, is a foster-child, adopted when an in- 
fant. 

Joseph B. Crowley was, as tbe son of an old citizen (John 
Crowley), much in public service, as a soldier in the Mexi- 
can war, and for his manly appearance and social habits 
very highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances. 
He was born October 24, 1837, and died in tlie prime of 
his manhood, being at tbe time of his death fairly entered 
upon his thirty-seventh year. He married, in 1855, Miss 
Louisa Williams, who, with one child, survived bim. 

Clark Johns was born in I^ew Castle township, and died 
in Coshocton, in his young manhood, June 13, 1863. Tbe 
" lot " having designated him for a soldier, be, taking bis 
privilege, enlisted in one of the companies which bad gone 
out from Coshocton, where his bome and business had been 
for some time. He was soon promoted to be lieutenant ; 
was taken sick, sent home, and died in a few days, on date 
above given. He married tbe daughter of John Burt, and 
left her and one child. 

C. C. Nichols, son of Eli Nichols, of 'New Castle town- 
ship, died in hospital at Clifton, Tennessee, January 14, 
1865. He was forty-two years of age, and held the rank 
of captain in the 183d regiment of Ohio volunteers. His 
remains were finally placed in tbe bome cemetery. "He 
was," says a friend, " the child of ups and downs." He 



258 Historical Collcctioris of Coshocton County. 

was present at the first sack of Lawrence, Kansas, and 
gave his aid in making that state a free state. He after- 
ward spent some time in Colorado, and took an interest in 
laying out St. Charles, which afterward became Denver 
City. He undertook the opening of an expensive gulch, 
and spent all he had on it, without avail. In the fall of 
1863, he entered the military service, continuing therein 
till his death. 

\Nm. B. Glover was born in Clark township, April 26, 
1832. While teachino; school in Indiana he enlisted in the 
21st Indiana regiment, and afterward became a lieutenant 
in heavy artillery service. While engaged in the siege of 
Port Hudson he was taken sick and placed in hospital. 
Thence he was brought by his father to his home in Cosh- 
octon county ; and here, after being home some three 
weeks, died, on the 18th of June, 1864, 

Joel Clark Glover, brother of the above, was born De- 
cember 6, 1846 ; and, having enlisted in the army, died in 
September, 1864, at Wilson's Lauding, near Richmond, 
Virginia. 

Many noble young men like these fell, as they, during 
the late war of the rebellion, but few families have such a 
noticeable record as that of which they were members. At 
one time no less than six sons were in the military service, 
and two others were represented by substitutes. 

Thomas Carroll, Jr., M. D., was born in Keene, in 1838. 
After attending medical lectures, he commenced practice 
in rhiladel[)liia, Pennsylvania. Entering the medical de- 
partment of the army, he was stationed in AV^ashington 
City, and afterward in Philadelphia. He died while acting 
assistant surgeon at Jackson Barracks, New Orleans, Lou- 
isiana, April 23, 1867. His remains were brought to 
Keene. 

Robert S. McCorrnick was the son of a substantial farmer 
in Keene township. In his twentieth year (1861) he en- 



Brief Biograj^hical Sketches. 259 

listed in Caj3t. Wm. Marshall's company of the Eiglitieth 
regiment, O. V. I. He was wounded at Mission Kidge and 
captured, and for fourteen months suft'ered all the horrors 
of Andersonville, whereby he w^as made a mere skeleton, 
although when he enlisted being six feet two inches in 
height and weighing 200 pounds. At length being ex- 
changed, he was brought to Savannah and there detained 
by military movements. He afterward laid sick for a month 
at Annapolis. In the summer of 1864 he reached his home, 
receiving an honorable discharge at end of term of enlist- 
ment. For many months he sought to recover his health, 
at his home and in a health institute in jSTew York State, 
but in vain. He died at home, January 26, 1866. He was 
one of that great comjDany of victims of the selfish ambi- 
tion, greed, and cruelty which possessed the men who 
brought about the terrible " "War of the Rebellion." 

Asa G. Dbnmock was well known to the people of Cosh- 
octon county, as being for ten years editor and publisher 
of the Coshocton Democrat. He was also, for two terms, 
prosecuting attorney of the county, and at that most im- 
portant era in its history, the robbery of the county treas- 
ury, made his mark in that capacity. He was the son of a 
Baptist clergyman, was bred to the newspaper business, 
and was connected largely with the press, editing or pub- 
lishing papers in Harrison, Holmes, Wayne, and Erie 
counties. He was in the Ohio State Senate as a member 
and also as clerk. He also served several 3-ears as warden 
of the Ohio penitentiary. In 1867 his health very seriously 
failed him, and on May 17, 1869, he died at the house of 
his sister, in Montrose, Penn., in the fifty-sixth year of his 
age. Of exceedingly pleasant manner, shrewd in manage- 
ment, and exceedingly self-sacrificing, he was always popu- 
lar, commonly poor. He was twice married — had one 
child by first wife. His surviving widow resides at Mil- 
lersburg. 

31. C. 3IcFarland was a son of one of the most substantial 
citizens of Bedford township. His youth was spent on the 



26o Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

farm, at school, in teaching, and in reading law. He was 
for several years deputy clerk of the court and county 
school examiner. In 1863, he was ejected probate judge, 
and subsequently re-elected, keeping, it is said, the records 
of the office in unusually neat and correct manner. Before 
his second term expired, his health was greatly impaired. 
Having spent some months in vain efforts to re-establish 
his health, he at length died at the house of his father-in- 
law in Newark, on the 12th of July, 1870, in the thirty- 
sixth year of his age. 

He was a man of more than usual talent, literary taste, 
and social excellence. He married a daue^hter of Judffe 
"Wm. Sample, and by her had one son. 

Samuel Ketehum died June 29, 1871, aged about forty- 
three years. His father was from the State of ]!s'ew York. 
With good common education, he entered upon active life. 
He was well known as the treasurer of Coshocton county, and 
from his difficulties growing out of that position he found re- 
lief only in death. Having plead guilty to the charge of em- 
bezzlement, he was sentenced to the penitentiary for live 
years, and became an inmate of that institution on the 1st 
of March, 1870. His health rapidly failed him, and in 
fifteen months he was pardoned, on representations made 
by the warden and physician, by Governor Hayes, and re- 
turned to his home. While in prison, he professed thorough 
penitence, and claimed to have little hope for the present life, 
and none for that to come, save by the mercy of God in 
Christ Jesus. In the hope of this mere}', he passed away 
— recognized b}- the world as a man of considerable refine- 
ment and of generous impulses, to be pitied, however much 
blamed. An aged, faithful mother, a wife true when all 
else failed, and two children bitterly lamented his death. 

Samuel Morrison died in Coshocton on the 20th of August, 
1871, in the seventy-third year of his age. He was born 
in Virginia ; was brought to Coshocton county when only 
two years of age; he grew up with the county ; held sev- 
eral offices of trust, among others that of sheriff. His 



Brief Biog7-afhical Sketches. 261 

detith was the result of an apoplectic stroke. His wife 
died some time before he did. Of his children (seven 
daughters), Mrs. R. W. Thompson is dead ; Mrs. Banks in 
Minnesota ; Mrs. Marvin in Michigan ; Mrs. Hankins in 
!N^ew York ; Mrs. Eev. Robert Beer in Indiana ; Mrs. Kep- 
ner in Columbiana county ; and only Mrs. W. H. H. Price, 
of Coshocton, is in the county. 

John Morgan died at his residence, a few miles east of 
Coshocton, September 14, 1866, in the seventy-mnth year 
of his age. He was born in New Jersey, October 9, 1789. 
He was among the earlier settlers of Coshocton county, 
cultivating a farm until old age and illness interfered. He 
was for twenty-five years a member of the White Eyes Bap- 
tist church. 

Charles S. Barnes was born in Fayette county, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1798. The family removed to Jefferson county, 
when Charles came to Coshocton county, settling as a farmer 
in Bedford township, and becoming one of its most highly 
esteemed citizens. He was probate judge from 1855-1858. 
He was for many years a class leader and steward in the 
Methodist Episcopal church. His death occurred on the 
17th of May, 1866, at his home in West Bedford. Several 
of his children abide in the township, 

William Henderson died at his residence, in ISTew Castle 
township, in 1866, having been many j^ears a farmer and 
stock-man in Coshocton county. He was in his seventy- 
first year ; came from Pennsylvania ; was married in 1837 ; 
connected by the marriage of his children with several of 
the prominent families in the west part of the county. 

George Darling, youngest son of Isaac and Jane Darling, 
died at Holton, Kansas, October 30, 1870, aged twenty-five 
years. His mother had gone on a visit to a daughter in 
Kansas, and was there taken sick with typhoid fever. Af- 
ter a lingering illness, her recovery was despaired of, and 
her friends notified. George went to be with her in her 



262 Historical Collections of Coshocton Cotinty. 

last moments, and was liimself smitten with the same dis- 
sease, and in one week died, the motlier following in a few 
hours. The bodies were brought to the old home, near 
"Warsaw. George had only been married a few months (to 
Miss Foster), and was a very popular young man, and the 
circumstances of the death made the eveut a notable one 
in his old neighborhood. 

Samuel Squire, *J>V., died on the 24th of November, 1874, 
at his residence in Jackson township, in the sixty-eighth 
year of his age. He was brought as a child to Coshoc- 
ton county, in 1814, being then eight years of age. His 
parents came from Rutland connty, Vermont. He took 
possession of the place where he died, in 1832. He was a 
deacon in the Regular Baptist church. He left children 
and a large circle of relatives. 

Nicholas Bassett came from Mohawk valley, New York, 
and settled in Linton township, more than forty years ago. 
He died on the 11th of March, 1875, in the eighty-ninth 
year of his age. A friend says : " He was a very active and 
energetic man in the days of his strength ; firm in purpose 
and vigorous in action ; a man of noticeable sort in speech 
and movement. His politics and his religion (the one 
Democratic and the other Presbyterian) were two things 
never lost sight of." 

Samuel H. Scott, brother of Matthew elsewhere men- 
tioned, was for some forty years a citizen of Virginia town- 
ship, engaged in farming. He had been out of health, was 
comins: to his home from Adams' mills, walkitig on the 
railroad-track, was overtaken by a freight-train, and mis- 
calculating as to time failed to get out of the way before 
the train, then " slowed " very much, struck him. The 
nervous shock in his enfeebled and diseased condition was 
too much for him, and he died in a few days, his death oc- 
curring March 5, 1875. He had been for many years a 
meml)er and for a few yeai's an elder in the Presbyterian 



Brief Biographical Sketches. 263 

church. His wife (Miss Jane Denny) survives him, without 
children. 

Dr, W. H. Vickers died in Linton township on the 12th 
of February, 1875. On the evening of the 11th, he left 
his home, in Jacobsport, to visit a patient, Mr. M. B. 
Carr, one mile beyond Linton. He found Mr. Carr very 
low with pneumonia, who, also, as well as to administer med- 
icine, asked the doctor to write his will. The doctor, after 
finishing the patient's will, conducted the evetiing devo- 
tions for the family, and was about to retire to bed, about 
eleven o'clock, when he complained to Mrs. Carr of feel- 
ing unwell, and asked for a little water and camphor, which 
were got for him, and after taking some he went to bed 
with one of Mrs. Carr's sons in an adjoining room. The 
next morning he was discovered to be seriously ill, and, 
having been removed to his home, died about four o'clock 
in the afternoon. He had established himself very thor- 
oughly in the regards of the community, and was a prom- 
inent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Thompson Carnahan was born in White Eyes township, 
April 24, 1841, and died in Adams township (on a little 
farm which for some years had been to him a retreat after 
his work as a teacher was done), July 13, 1876. Obtaining 
the elements of a good education in the district school, he 
himself commenced to teach in 1860. In the summer of 
that year he attended the ]^ormal School at Hopedale, in 
Harrison county, and having taught during the ensuing 
winter, took another term at Hopedale in 1862. In the fall 
of 1862, he went into the army, enlisting in the Ninth Ohio 
Volunteer Cavalry. Pie continued in service two years, 
and having been wounded at Big Shanty, Georgia, returned 
home and resumed his work as a teacher. In 1866, after 
attending one term, he graduated at the Poughkeepsie 
(New York) College. Having taught several of the most 
prominent of the country schools, and the one at Bakers- 
ville, he became the teacher of the grammar school in Cosh- 
octon in 1871. The next year he took charge of the Ros- 



264 Historical Collections of Coshocton County. 

coe schools, and continued there until smitten by the dis- 
ease (paralysis) that laid him low in death. Always some- 
what out of health, his conscientious faithfulness led him to 
unduly tax himself with his professional work, and about 
a month before his year was up, and some two months be- 
fore his death, he reluctantly ceased to teach. Eut the bow 
had been drawn too far, and the string was already virtually 
broken. Returning after the school year was closed (his 
wife having finished his work therein) to his farm near 
Bakersville, he for a time seemed to improve, but soon sank 
down in a peaceful death. 

Conscientious and carefully trained in the principles of 
the holy Christian religion from his childhood, he made a 
profession of his faith in the Presbyterian church, at Bak- 
ersville, in 1870, and subsequently was an elder in the 
Presbyterian church of Roscoe. 

With no special advantages of worldly sort and despite 
poor health he attained a scholarship that had merit above 
what his modesty disposed him to widely manifest, and 
showed what industry and conscientiousness may achieve 
even in comparatively early 3'ears. He married, in 1869, 
Miss Eliza J. Stonehocker, who, having herself been much 
engaged in teaching, proved a worthy help-meet in his 
school work, as otherwise. 



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